Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has secured planning permission for a new £1.3bn hospital in Crewe, paving the way for one of the first major projects to move into delivery under the government’s New Hospital Programme.
Approved by Cheshire East Council on 9 June the hybrid planning application covers the redevelopment of Leighton Hospital with a new six-storey healthcare facility to be constructed on land north of the existing site.
The scheme is being developed by Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, with the Integrated Health Projects joint venture of Sir Robert McAlpine and VINCI appointed to deliver the main works.
The project team also includes WSP, Ryder Architecture, Gleeds, WT Partnership, Mott MacDonald, Greengage and PwC.
The scheme also includes an ambulatory cancer care centre, central sterile services facilities, an energy centre, supporting plant buildings and a 1,000-space multi-storey car park.
The project was prioritised after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was identified throughout much of the existing hospital estate, affecting around 80% of the site.
The new development will replace the ageing 1970s-built facility while allowing hospital services to continue operating during construction.
Designed using the NHS’s standardised Hospital 2.0 model, the new hospital is expected to provide around 1.2 million sqft of healthcare accommodation.
Four existing buildings, including the emergency department, audiology and ENT unit, satellite outpatients building and Ward 27/28 block, will be retained and repurposed.
Planning approval also covers demolition of the South Cheshire Building and its temporary conversion into a 283-space car park to support enabling works ahead of the main construction programme.
The project approval comes after the trust launched a four-week public consultation to allow people to learn and speak about the Leighton Hospital development project.
Construction is currently expected to begin in 2027, with the new hospital scheduled to open in 2032.
Demolition of the remaining legacy hospital estate would then continue through to 2034.
Delivered a standout healthcare construction or refurbishment project?
From complex acute environments to community healthcare redevelopments, the Building Better Healthcare Awards celebrate projects that combine innovation, collaboration, and outstanding delivery. Enter now and put your work in the spotlight. Click here and enter today!