Construction of the new hospital in Consett, which includes a 16-bed in-patient rehabilitation ward and urgent treatment centre, is expected to be completed by 2028/2029. 

The project received planning permission in 2023 but has been plagued by delays and inflated costs. 

Now, local developer Project Genesis confirmed it has formally secured detailed planning permission for the new Shotley Bridge Hospital at the Derwent View site in Consett.

The permission, which includes the outline application and reserved matters for both the hospital and wider site infrastructure, was preserved through the commencement of on-site works.

Regional NHS bosses belatedly received confirmation that the Shotley Bridge Hospital scheme will progress in January after Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced it is within wave one of the revised New Hospital Programme.

The scheme’s overall budget is being set after officials previously warned that estimated costs for the development have risen to between £50-60 million. 

Earlier this year, the Health Secretary announced full construction was expected to begin within the next two years. “We have secured the funding, produced a realistic timetable, with spades in the ground for a new hospital site in Consett in 2026/7,” he said. 

“Labour will deliver this new hospital building so patients in Consett get the care they deserve.”

Mike Clark, director at Project Genesis, praised the work of local stakeholders, including Durham County Council, for recognising the importance of the new facility to the local community. 

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He added: “Securing planning permission now means that the future of a new hospital in Consett remains very much alive. Had we not taken this step, the town could have lost its best chance at a fit-for-purpose, accessible facility. 

“We acted because we believe the people of North West Durham deserve the best healthcare infrastructure possible and we’re committed to working with the local MP and other stakeholders to make that possible.”

The Derwent View site was identified as the most suitable for the new hospital in 2018.