Work begins on Consett hospital site

A planned community hospital in County Durham is moving ahead as enabling works commence on site.

Project Genesis has started groundwork at the Derwent View site in Consett, preparing the land for remediation and future infrastructure ahead of construction.

The project aims to safeguard the delivery of a new hospital for the town and surrounding area, with building work expected to begin next year subject to approvals.

Originally intended for retail use, the site was repurposed in 2018 following strong public support for a replacement hospital, with planning permission secured and maintained.

The wider scheme is expected to bring investment into the area, supporting local jobs and services while paving the way for a modern healthcare facility.

Mike Clark, director of Project Genesis, said: “For years, there’s been understandable concern in Consett about the future of hospital provision and whether the town would lose its chance of a modern healthcare facility. 

“Project Genesis has worked hard to make sure that doesn’t happen.

“These remediation works are another important step forward, making the site ready, putting the right infrastructure in place and ensuring we’re in the strongest possible position to move ahead, when the anticipated agreement is finalised and the Trust’s business case approvals are secured.

“We’ve remained committed to this because we believe Consett deserves a new hospital and because, without that commitment, there was a real risk the opportunity could have been lost altogether.

“We will continue doing everything we can to help bring this hospital forward for the people of Consett and the wider area.”

The development forms part of the national New Hospital Programme, led in partnership with NHS Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust.

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