£1.3bn Leighton Hospital Redevelopment Secures Planning Approval in Crewe

Plans for the £1.3bn redevelopment of Leighton Hospital in Crewe have secured planning approval, marking a major milestone for one of the first schemes set to progress under the Government’s New Hospital Programme.

The project will see Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust replace the existing hospital with a new 1.2 million sq ft healthcare campus, delivering modern clinical facilities alongside supporting infrastructure and specialist healthcare buildings.

Construction is expected to commence from 2027, with the overall programme running through to 2032.

Project Overview

The approved hybrid application covers the redevelopment of Leighton Hospital, with the majority of the new facilities being constructed to the north of the existing estate.

The scheme will include:

• New 1.2 million sq ft hospital campus

• Six-storey main hospital building

• Ambulatory cancer care centre

• Central sterile services department

• Energy centre

• Plant buildings

• 1,000-space multi-storey car park

• New emergency vehicle access

• New servicing infrastructure

• Extensive landscaping and public realm works

The project forms part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme and follows the NHS Hospital 2.0 design approach, which aims to standardise hospital construction and accelerate delivery.

Contractor and Project Team

The Integrated Health Projects (IHP) joint venture between Sir Robert McAlpine and VINCI Building is expected to deliver the scheme.

Key project team members include:

• IHP (Sir Robert McAlpine / VINCI Building)

• WSP

• Ryder Architecture

• Gleeds

• WT Partnership

• Mott MacDonald

• Greengage

• PwC

Strategic Context

The redevelopment was accelerated following the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) throughout much of the existing hospital estate.

Approximately 80% of the current hospital buildings are understood to be affected, increasing the urgency of delivering replacement healthcare facilities.

The project represents one of the largest healthcare developments currently progressing in the UK and forms a key part of the Government’s long-term healthcare infrastructure investment programme.

Enabling Works and Demolition

Planning approval also includes:

• Demolition of the South Cheshire Building

• Creation of a temporary 283-space car park

• Site preparation works

• Infrastructure improvements

Following completion of the new hospital, demolition of the remaining existing hospital buildings will commence, with final site works expected to continue until 2034.

ConstructNet Opportunity Analysis

With planning approval secured and the project now moving into detailed design and business case approvals, significant future procurement opportunities are expected to emerge across the supply chain.

Potential opportunities may include:

• Demolition and enabling works

• Groundworks and civils

• Structural frame packages

• Building envelope systems

• Mechanical and electrical installations

• Healthcare fit-out works

• Medical gas infrastructure

• Energy centre construction

• Landscaping and external works

• Highways and infrastructure

• Building materials supply

• Plant hire

• Waste management and recycling services

As one of the UK’s largest healthcare projects, Leighton Hospital is expected to generate substantial opportunities across multiple construction disciplines over the next decade.

Key Project Information

Client:

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Main Contractor:

IHP (Sir Robert McAlpine / VINCI Building)

Project Value:

£1.3 billion

Location:

Leighton Hospital, Crewe, Cheshire

Programme:

Construction Start: 2027

Hospital Completion: 2032

Final Demolition Works: 2034

Disclaimer

Information is based on publicly available sources and ConstructNet analysis. Readers should independently verify all project details before making commercial decisions.