Plans for a new hospital have reached a significant milestone, with the project formally progressing to the next phase of design.

Major construction projects follow the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Work, which provides a structured framework for design and delivery.

The development of the new Leighton Hospital recently completed RIBA Stage 2, known as 'Concept Design,' where the overall vision, layout and approach to the building are developed.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's Healthier Futures programme has now begun Stage 3, known as Spatial Coordination.

This is where the hospital design becomes more detailed, with the focus on refining how services, departments and spaces work together to provide the best possible experience for patients and staff.

The new Leighton Hospital in Crewe will be built by Integrated Health Projects (IHP), with a target completion of 2033 (Photo: MCHFT).

The new Leighton Hospital is being developed as part of the national New Hospital Programme, which is the biggest NHS hospital building programme in a generation.

It will sit at the heart of the Trust's wider ambition to develop a health and care neighbourhood, as well as broader plans to transform healthcare services.

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This will include more joined-up care, improved patient flow, enhanced digital technology, and sustainable healthcare infrastructure.

The Trust's Board Senior Responsible Officer for Leighton New Hospital Programme, Russ Favager, said: "Reaching RIBA Stage 3 is a major achievement and reflects the hard work and commitment of everyone who has helped shape our new hospital, including our colleagues, patients, partners and local communities.

"This milestone takes us another important step towards creating a modern, sustainable hospital that will provide excellent environments for patient care, improve the experience of our staff and meet the future health needs of the communities we serve.

"The insight and involvement of local people and our clinical teams have been invaluable, and that collaboration will continue as we develop the design in greater detail.

"There is still much to do, but this is an exciting moment and gives us real momentum for the next stage."

In July, the Trust announced the hospital would be a built by Integrated Health Projects (IHP). IHP is a partnership between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine.