Laying the foundations for Mid Cheshire’s new hospital

The first bricks will soon be laid as part of the development of Crewe’s new health and care neighbourhood, including the new Leighton Hospital.

A building, measuring approximately 10m x 4.3m and up to 3.2m high will be built on land just off Flowers Lane. This enclosure will house an electrical substation that will provide the required power for our new hospital, which will be located to the north of the existing Leighton Hospital.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust purchased this land last year. 

The work will also include creating a layby from Flowers Lane to allow vehicle access solely for the electricity company, Scottish Power, to the substation. The work will also involve the removal of some existing hedgerow. However, around 50m of replacement native hedgerow will be planted to offset what is removed. The existing trees on Flowers Lane will be protected and retained. 

The planning application for this substation enclosure was recently approved by Cheshire East Council, with building work expected to begin later this summer. 

Chris Knights is the Programme Director for the Trust’s Healthier Futures team, which is delivering the new hospital programme.

He said:

“Every development, no matter the size and scale, must start somewhere. This may be a small building in the grand scheme our overall programme, but it’s that all important first piece of the puzzle. 

“There is currently no power to the new site where we want to build our new hospital so it’s critical that we begin work on developing the infrastructure now, ahead of beginning the construction of the hospital. 

“Our programme is moving into a very exciting phase, and we will keep our communities fully informed and engaged every step of the way.” 

The Trust intends to submit a hybrid planning application for the new hospital this summer. Prior to this submission, the Trust will host a series of engagement sessions allowing people to give their feedback. Full details about these sessions will be announced in due course. 

Visit the Healthier Futures microsite for further details about the programme and to provide feedback.