Planners approve next phase of hospital modernisation

But the project could be delayed if Policy & Resources does not sign off the money for the work.

It will see the demolition of the Arnold Ward stores and Breast Care Unit.

A three-storey building will be erected on the site of the existing entrance. There will be a new main entrance, women’s and children’s department, private patient unit, outpatients' department and theatre department expansion.

Policy & Resources president Deputy Peter Ferbrache said the committee had met HSC president Al Brouard and senior officers in December to explain that it would defer approval of the funding for the time being.

‘We said that we would defer it until after this debate,’ he said as deputies worked through the Tax Review debate last week.

‘That’s not saying we’re going to say “no”, it’s wait and see what happens. They have to finish phase one first.’

Deputy Brouard said HSC understood P&R’s reasoning, but regardless of what happened in the tax debate, he believed the funding would be forthcoming.

‘The extension is necessary for years and years to come,’ he said. ‘P&R has allowed some funding in the interim to carry on with architects and plans. We’ll be returning to P&R once this debate is over to ensure that phase two goes ahead.’

The three-phase hospital project is expected to see phase two started in 2024.

The planners noted in their report that this would be a substantial modernisation of the hospital.

‘The architectural design quality is high. The scale and massing of the proposed development and its design and materials are appropriate to the existing buildings and their setting,’ the report stated.

‘The submitted scheme... results in a specialist health facility of high quality which responds well to its context and demonstrates effective and efficient use of land. The development will enhance accessibility for all, and provides flexible and adaptable accommodation to meet existing and future requirements.’

Planners added that the visual impact was acceptable and respected the character of the area.

They noted that the proposals included a landscape strategy and proposals to help to assimilate the development in its setting and mitigate loss of existing planting, and this would also provide high quality external spaces, including street furniture and public art.

The full detail of the plans can be seen at www.ourfuture.gg.

The scheme is expected to take four years to deliver from 2024 if funding approvals are granted for the works, said a HSC spokeswoman.

‘Obtaining planning permission is a key part of the work being undertaken to progress phase two and represents a further milestone in the process of delivering the Our Hospital modernisation programme.'