The project, which has been plagued by delays and inflated costs, finally got the go ahead last year following a review.
Project Genesis director Mike Clark said: “For years, there’s been understandable concern in Consett about the future of hospital provision and whether the town would lose its chance of a modern healthcare facility.
“These remediation works are another important step forward, making the site ready, putting the right infrastructure in place and ensuring we’re in the strongest possible position to move ahead, when the anticipated agreement is finalised and the trust’s business case approvals are secured.”
The hospital had been due to open in 2025 but is expected to be completed by 2030.