An NHS trust has bought the land next to a hospital from a council to temporarily use as additional parking.
University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) has bought the land adjoining the Royal Bournemouth Hospital site, called Wessex Fields.
Other plans for the land include a possible site for generating geothermal energy, homes for key workers, and an education and research centre.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council deputy leader and cabinet member for finance Mike Cox said the sale was a “great opportunity” and would bring investment to the area.
The immediate use will be additional parking, with feasibility work for geothermal energy to provide a reliable, local heating source undertaken in 2026, the trust said.
The chief executive of UHD, Siobhan Harrington, said: “As we prepare for the next stages of delivering better emergency and planned care for our local population, Wessex Fields will help us in delivering even greater benefits.
“We look forward to working with partners to develop this exciting opportunity.”
Mr Cox said: “It will regenerate a key site, create new jobs and build world-class medical research and development facilities, alongside hospital key worker housing.
“Working with partners to improve health and wellbeing outcomes and reduce health inequalities in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is one of our ambitions.”
