Confirmation that work can begin on redeveloping an earmarked site of a new NHS hospital at Whipps Cross has been announced.
Funding has been granted by the Department of Health and Social Care to undertake surveys on land in the south west corner of the site.
These buildings are currently derelict and once were accommodation for nurses.
The area is the preferred location for the new build with the derelict buildings having to be demolished in the first phase of development.
The surveys will check for asbestos in the existing structures and land contamination, such as radon gas, before demolition takes place.
The business case for the hospital has not yet been shared although DHSC has agreed in principle to fund the costs of taking the redevelopment forward.
Architects can now be appointed to take forward work on the state-of-the-art new hospital.
The hospital will have in-built flexibility to respond to the critical care pressures the current hospital faces.
Alwen Williams, group chief executive, said:
“There will be ample opportunities for staff, patients and our local communities to be involved, so that we end up building a hospital that reflects what people need.
“I live locally to Whipps Cross so, both as the chief executive of the Trust and a local resident, I am really excited about how well this work is progressing.
“We remain on track in spite of the enormous challenges we face in responding to the operational demands of dealing with Covid-19.”
