Aalborg’s new hospital opens after years of scandals, delays, and budget overruns

The long-delayed Hospitalsbyen in Aalborg, Denmark’s largest-ever healthcare construction project in North Jutland, officially opens on Friday following a troubled 13-year development plagued by scandals, water damage, and a 1.5 billion kroner budget overrun, reports DR.

The 180,000-square-metre facility, now the region’s biggest investment in healthcare, was originally slated for completion in 2020 but faced repeated setbacks. Construction began in 2013 under then-regional chair Ulla Astman, but a cascade of issues—including power supply planning failures, COVID-19 border closures blocking workers, labour shortages, and material delays—pushed the timeline back six years.

In 2023, severe water damage was uncovered after heavy rainfall penetrated the walls, with leaked footage showing water pouring into interior spaces. Repairs were later completed, though persistent issues remain, including malfunctioning blinds, excessive heat due to ventilation problems, and noisy air filtration systems disrupting surgical staff communication. Regional authorities state full ventilation optimisation may take another year.

The first patients moved into the facility in February, but operational challenges persist. Queen Mary of Denmark will attend Friday’s ceremonial ribbon-cutting, marking the project’s official conclusion despite its contentious history.