Northumbria Healthcare is investing £35m to build a new hospital building in Berwick-upon-Tweed to replace the old Berwick Infirmary.
Planning permission was approved in December 2020, and now in September 2025, the Trust is making a planning application to retain part of the old Berwick Infirmary’s bell tower building.
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has been engaging with a wide range of groups and individuals about the future of the bell tower, as it appreciates that it holds a strong emotional connection for some.
The Trust emphasised that a key consideration must be affordability as the custodians of NHS money. Investing in patient services will always be its top priority for spending.
Other key considerations include making sure the use of the bell tower is appropriate for the space and location, and longevity and sustainability of use, with this section of the old building being at the main entrance to the new modern hospital.
Damon Kent, Managing Director of Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management, said: “We know what an emotive issue this is and that opinion is split in the town around whether the bell tower should be retained or not. This is understandable, as the tower has been a prominent feature on the Berwick skyline since 1874 and although it is not statutorily listed, we know it holds a strong emotional attachment for some.
“We would like to reassure everyone that we have been thorough in our consideration of the use of the bell tower building. As part of this we commissioned various reports to consider different factors including feasibility, cost and safety.
“The new hospital has been long awaited by many, and the site’s function must primarily focus on the delivery of healthcare and accessibility to healthcare. Any use of the bell tower cannot impact on this or restrain this in any way.”
We commissioned various reports to consider different factors including feasibility, cost and safety
Reports commissioned by Northumbria Healthcare demonstrate that the bell tower section of the hospital building has limited use in terms of functional space and importantly, limited accessibility to the top floor.
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