GRAHAM has signed contracts to construct the new Airedale Hospital in West Yorkshire, UK, as part of the government’s New Hospital Programme.
The agreement was formalised through the Hospital 2.0 Alliance, a partnership involving NHS Trusts, NHS England, and industry bodies set up to standardise hospital planning and delivery. The project is estimated to cost between £1bn ($1.3bn) and £1.5bn ($2bn).
The Hospital 2.0 model is designed to bring best practices and advanced technology to healthcare facilities, with the aim of reducing construction time and costs.
The new site will replace existing facilities built with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).
The present hospital continues to operate under an ongoing programme of structural repairs.
The proposed development will be constructed within the existing hospital’s grounds, allowing services to remain operational as the new building takes shape.
Plans for the new Airedale Hospital include providing 100% single en-suite patient rooms, all with space for carers, and incorporating social areas on each ward to help reduce patient isolation.
Developed in collaboration with clinicians, patients, and staff nationwide, the design is flexible and built to meet the evolving healthcare needs of a growing, ageing population.
Facilities for same-day emergency care and modern theatres are part of the proposal, with an emphasis on enabling more procedures without overnight stays.
Airedale NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Foluke Ajayi said: “Signing the contract with GRAHAM is a significant milestone that brings us another step closer to bringing the vision for our new hospital to life.
“We have a particularly challenging site and have the added complexity of keeping our current hospital running as we build our new hospital. However, we are sure that with their skills and expertise, we can build a new hospital that our communities will be proud of, whilst minimising disruption as construction takes place.”
GRAHAM Building South managing director Mark Lynch said: “Our appointment to the Airedale General Hospital project reflects the strength of our experience in delivering complex healthcare infrastructure.
“Through our work on the Hospital 2.0 Alliance framework, we are playing a crucial role in setting a new standard for healthcare buildings across the UK, and it’s fantastic to be making headway with crucial projects like this.”
Proposals for the hospital also address accessibility, with outpatient services planned for a dedicated building adjacent to the main site, and enhancements to green spaces intended to benefit patients, staff and visitors.
The architectural approach is designed to reflect the rural setting, protect biodiversity, and enhance transport connections for pedestrians and cyclists.
The design process has included local consultation and aims to maintain continuity of care throughout construction.
