Retail and private housing development have been ruled out by the trust and Hyndburn Council.
“The concerns of the community are clear around us selling the site for private housing or other commercial development,” Hodgson said. “I want to categorically rule this out.”
Now hoardings will go up; ground works will begin onsite; a planning application will be submitted to Hyndburn Council to dismantle the building capturing the original facade to be incorporated in any new designs; and work will start to rescue Victorian elements of the original hospital including founder stones, inset windows, plaques and bricks to be reused in the replacement buildings.
The strategic group examining future options for the site, chaired by Hyndburn MP Sarah Smith, includes the previous operator the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Hyndburn Council, the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board and Burnley-based social housing provider Calico Homes, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
Chair Sarah Smith said: “We understand how important this site is to local people and the deep and emotional ties people feel to Accrington Victoria Hospital, due to the way it was paid for when it was built over 130 years ago.
According to the Architects of Greater Manchester the original building was constructed between 1896 and 1898, and was paid for by members of the public.
“During the consultation people said that they want to see this site used for healthcare services, including a GP practice, as well as community spaces and supported living accommodation.
“I am confident we can do something really positive.”