Lancashire Teaching Hospitals has completed the purchase of the final section of land on the proposed site for the replacement for Royal Preston Hospital (RPH).
The land at Lancashire Central, adjacent to the planned commercial site, has been purchased from strategic partner, Lancashire County Council, as part of the national New Hospital Programme.
Lancashire Central is being brought forward by Lancashire County Council in partnership with Maple Grove Developments under an existing Development Agreement.
The purchase completes the land assembly of the acres required to build a replacement for RPH and enables future public consultation on the proposed new hospital site.
The proposed site for the new build is land between Stanifield Lane and Wigan Road, south of Stoney Lane in Farington, near to the end of the M65 West:
Professor Silas Nicholls, Chief Executive of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Completing the final stage of land acquisition for the proposed site, supported through the Government’s national New Hospital Programme, is an important milestone, while recognising that any decision about a new hospital will be subject to full public consultation and the necessary approvals.
Securing this land allows us to continue developing plans for a modern facility that could significantly improve care for our communities. This progress has only been possible thanks to the close collaboration with our strategic partner, Lancashire County Council, whose support has been instrumental throughout.”
Simon Lawrence, Director of Growth and Property, Lancashire County Council, said:
“Completing this sale is an important practical step that enables the next stage of work on proposals for a potential new hospital site, adjacent to the commercial employment site Lancashire Central.
“The county council will remain closely engaged with NHS partners as plans are developed and communities are consulted, recognising that any future decision would be subject to the appropriate national and local approvals.”
Natalie Forrest, Chief Programme Officer of the New Hospital Programme, said:
“This is an important milestone for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals and for the New Hospital Programme. Securing the full site provides greater confidence in developing proposals for a modern, fit‑for‑purpose hospital that could serve patients and communities for generations to come, subject to public consultation. We look forward to supporting the Trust as it moves into the next phase of engagement and planning.”
Whilst the Trust has now completed the purchase of the potential new site for a new hospital build, no final decisions have been made. It is important to emphasise that any such decision would be subject to full public consultation at a later date and the necessary national and local approvals.
The NHS is open to other sites being suggested, which would be subject to the same comprehensive review as the proposed site. The existing Royal Preston Hospital site will remain in place and deliver services until new hospital facilities are opened. The local NHS will continue to keep communities involved and provide further updates throughout the process.
Construction work on a replacement Royal Preston Hospital is currently expected to start between 2037 and 2039.
