A major milestone has been reached for Calderdale Royal Hospital, as full planning permission has been granted for a new clinical building.
Approved by Calderdale Council on Tuesday, the new development will feature eight wards and a modern emergency department with dedicated spaces for adults and children.
Due for completion in 2029, the building will transform care for patients and staff across Calderdale and Huddersfield.
“This is a significant moment for our Trust, our patients and our colleagues,” said Rob Aitchison, Chief Executive of Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust. “The investment will improve experiences for everyone using our services and provide facilities that are truly fit for the future.”
The plans for the new hospital building were designed by Laing O’Rourke and reflect extensive input from patients, staff and local communities. The design pays tribute to Halifax’s heritage, blending carefully chosen materials and colours with the existing hospital buildings.
Sustainability is at the heart of the project, which is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. The design includes energy-efficient systems, waste reduction and measures to enhance local biodiversity.
“We’re proud to deliver this transformative development for Calderdale Royal Hospital. Alongside modern healthcare facilities, we’re committed to minimising carbon emissions and supporting local jobs, apprenticeships and supply chains,” said Christopher Northwood, Laing O’Rourke Project Leader.
Site preparations will begin over the coming months, marking the next phase in the long-term Foundations for our Future programme to modernise hospital and community services across the region.
“It’s an exciting step in our Foundations for our Future programme,” said Anna Basford, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Transformation and Partnerships. “We look forward to starting construction in summer 2026, subject to final approval from the Department of Health and Social Care.”
The new hospital building is part of a £200m investment to ensure that the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust and its partners can provide the best hospital and community healthcare.
Last March, construction also began on an advanced clinical hub at the hospital, which will include an advanced simulation suite that can recreate different clinical environments, such as an emergency department, labour ward or intensive care unit.