Proposals for the West Suffolk Hospital rebuild at Hardwick Manor in Bury St Edmunds are progressing, with a reserved matters application in the process of being created after outline plans were approved in 2023.

As part of developing the next stage of plans, West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust has shared images for the first time of the brand new hospital, which is expected to cost between £1.3billion and £1.5billion.

The new hospital is expected to cost between £1.3billion and £1.5billion (Image: West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust)

One image shows a canopy could be constructed on the approach to an entrance.

Another shows an area where tables are covered by umbrellas, suggesting an outside café could be included in the scheme.

The hospital is seeking views from locals as part of the reserved matters process (Image: West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust)

The hospital is inviting people to have their say on aspects of the reserved matters application as part of the next stage of the planning process.

Locals will be able to comment on the building heights and external appearance, access and transport around the site and landscaping, ecology and outdoor spaces.

Online feedback forms are available until Friday, March 20.

Two public consultations are also being held – one at Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club, in Nowton Road, on Tuesday, March 10, and another online on Monday, March 16.

Last month, it was revealed that building works for the new hospital remain on schedule.

Gary Norgate, programme director of the new hospital, speaking to South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge (Image: James Cartlidge MP)

It is hoped construction can start in early 2028.

Gary Norgate, programme director for the new West Suffolk Hospital, said: “Secretary of state says all RAAC’s will start 27/28 and currently we have a challenging, but clear plan to commence early 2028.”

A hospital spokesman added: “West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust continues to work closely with national partners and is currently on track to begin construction between 2027–28, in line with the Department of Health and Social Care’s agreed timeline.

“We continue to develop our plans to ensure the scheme is delivered within its approved budgetary envelope.”

How is the new West Suffolk Hospital being funded?

The new West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds is being funded primarily through the national New Hospital Programme.

Created by the last Government in 2020, it set out to replace 40 hospitals across the country by 2030.

West Suffolk Hospital was prioritised in the scheme as a result of containing reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).

There had been a review of the programme after the Labour Government entered office in July 2024, but the Bury St Edmunds facility was not included.

Health secretary Wes Streeting said at the time “We inherited a New Hospital Programme that is undeliverable and unfunded. We will be honest with patients and will put the programme on a sustainable footing.

“Patient safety is our priority, so RAAC-affected hospitals, alongside those where the Full Business Cases is already approved, will not form part of the review and will continue as planned.”