Work underway on £60 million-plus hospital site

Work has started on a £60 million-plus County Durham medical development.

Contractors are clearing the former Consett Steelworks site to create a new Shotley Bridge Hospital.

Bosses say the work will pave the way for construction to begin in autumn next year.

They add the hospital – said to represent a £63.4 million investment – could open in 2029, with initial works set to include new road infrastructure, bus stops, footpaths and drainage.

The scheme is led by development company Project Genesis, which sits within property developer and regeneration firm Dysart Group.  

Project Genesis submitted plans for the wider site in 2018, with planning permission for the hospital secured by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust in 2023.

Mike Clark, Project Genesis director, said: “We worked at risk on the project throughout that period, without funding, because we believe the future of hospital provision in this area is fundamentally important.

“There is still work to do, but this is a significant step towards what everyone involved has wanted from the outset: a modern hospital serving Consett and the wider Derwent Valley for decades to come.

“It also reflects the wider purpose of Project Genesis, continuing to support sustainable development and economic growth while helping to deliver the services and infrastructure the area needs.”

Matt Graham, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust acting chief operating officer, said: “Starting work on site is an important milestone for the new Shotley Bridge Hospital and a visible sign of the progress being made towards delivering this investment for our communities.”

Liz Twist, MP for Blaydon and Consett, added: “When I was elected in 2024, a new hospital in Consett was one of my biggest priorities.

“I am thrilled work can proceed to get the grounds ready, and I will continue to push for the completion of the business case and for hospital construction to begin.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.