A new AdventHealth hospital is coming to the southern area of The Villages as part of a massive mixed-use development planned along Florida’s Turnpike.

Florida-based Benderson Development, in partnership with The Villages, announced plans Thursday for Legacy Place, a 700-acre development near County Road 470 and Central Parkway that will include retail, restaurants, businesses and healthcare services anchored by a new AdventHealth hospital.

According to the announcement, AdventHealth plans to build an 80-bed hospital with emergency and surgical services on a 25-acre site within the development. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the hospital projected to open in 2030.

Legacy Place is planned to span nearly three miles along Florida’s Turnpike and will include approximately 3 million square feet of development featuring walkable public spaces and new retail and dining options.

“This is an amazing opportunity for The Villages, Benderson Development and AdventHealth to come together to create something extraordinary for our community,” says Robert Chandler IV. “Legacy Place will bring a variety of new retail experiences and, with a reputation for providing first-class care, AdventHealth will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of our Villagers and the surrounding area.”

Developers say the project is intended to support continued growth throughout the region.

“The Villages represents one of the most dynamic and well-planned communities in the country, making it the perfect location for a first-class, super-regional destination like Legacy Place,” says Randy Benderson. “Our partnership with AdventHealth allows us to create a destination that not only brings new retail and entertainment options to the region, but also delivers essential health and wellness services that support long-term community needs.”

The Wildwood-The Villages metropolitan area has been among the fastest-growing regions in the country, with population growth nearing 20% over the last four years, according to the announcement.

AdventHealth officials say the hospital is intended to help meet increasing demand for healthcare services as growth continues across Lake, Sumter and Marion counties.

“This region is growing quickly, and that kind of growth brings both opportunity and responsibility,” says Rob Deininger. “We’re planning for what families will need not just today, but years from now, making sure the medical infrastructure keeps pace with the lives being built here.”

Deininger says the project is also expected to strengthen healthcare access throughout the region and reduce the need for residents to travel long distances for care.

The announcement says AdventHealth is also expanding elsewhere in the area, including a new emergency department planned in Fruitland Park later this year and new pediatric and women’s care facilities opening in Middleton.

Legacy Place is expected to be developed in phases, with the first portions of the project projected to open in 2027.