Planning approval and listed building consent has been granted for the £4m refurbishment of the Priory Ward Building on the Guisborough Primary Care Hospital site.
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has given the green light for the site to be completely redeveloped as part of the plans to provide a modern healthcare environment for the local community.
The NHS South Tees Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has worked closely with building owner and developer, NHS Property Services, and provider trusts South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust to develop plans for the site over the last two years.
All outpatient clinics that currently operate from the site will be re-provided in fit-for-purpose accommodation in the refurbished building to enable the listed building to be sold off for redevelopment by others.
A health planning process was undertaken to ensure that additional capacity for future clinics has been factored in to the reprovision proposals for the Priory building to ensure its future sustainability.
It is proposed that the refurbished building will continue to be open five days a week, with some evening clinics proposed for some services.
The project is being developed with Newcastle-based architects, Medical Architecture, forming part of the Kier construction team.
The work includes the demolition of the link corridor and the introduction of a new single-storey extension housing the main entrance and waiting area in the approximate location of the existing entrance into the Priory building.
The building is being further refreshed with new windows, window reveal detailing and enhanced site landscaping.Project architect, Lianne Knott, said: “The proposal breathes new life into the old hospital site, providing a welcoming approach and a new identity for the building.”
Peter Todd, principal construction manager at NHS Property Services, added: “The modifications to Guisborough Hospital will improve the quality of the patient environment and their experience; ensure modern, fit-for-purpose premises and deliver real efficiency savings for the local health economy. It’s an exciting time and we look forward to work starting on site.”