The formal approval was announced on 19 February 2025, with construction set to begin shortly. The state-of-the-art hospital, which is part of the Executive’s flagship projects, will be located within the Royal Victoria Hospital site. It will be a 10-floor facility with 155 beds, 10 operating theatres, and an emergency department that can accommodate up to 45 thousand children annually.

The hospital will prioritise patient comfort, with 80 percent of the beds in private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Additionally, each ward will feature play areas, social spaces, and separate staff and parent facilities.

The First Minister Michelle O’Neil has shared that, “Providing high quality care for our sick and seriously ill children is a priority for this Executive. This is very welcome and long-awaited news for families across the north. Once completed the new hospital will provide our children and young people with access to the very best medical treatment as well as improving their overall experience of hospital care. I look forward to work starting on the hospital within the next few days and the significant benefits it will bring to staff and patients”.

The project has a five-year construction timeline and is expected to open by start of the next decade. The construction costs are estimated at 389 million pounds, with the total development budget of 671 million pounds, funded by the Department of Health’s capital budget.

As Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly claimed, “This new Children’s Hospital at the Royal Victoria Hospital will transform services for children in a modern and fit for purpose facility. The investment by the Executive in this new hospital is a sign of our commitment to providing the highest quality care for our children”, further noting that, “That’s why this Executive has made this a priority, and we will continue to work closely with the Health Minister on this important work”.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt also welcomed the announcement, recognising the significance of the new hospital for both children and healthcare professionals. However, he acknowledged the project’s difficult history, including delays and cost increases, and emphasised the importance of applying lessons from past hospital projects to ensure successful delivery.