Derelict hospital to be replaced by community hub

7 hours ago

William MorganLocal Democracy Reporting Service

News image — Selling the hospital site for commercial development was ruled out in March

Google Close-up image of a blue and white sign, indicating Accrington Victoria Community Hospital — Selling the hospital site for commercial development was ruled out in March

Plans have been approved to knock down a derelict hospital to make way for a new health and care hub.

Accrington Victoria Hospital in Lancashire closed in December 2024 as it was no longer considered safe for patients or staff, following issues that included a collapsing ceiling, broken boilers and asbestos.

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust moved its services out of the Victorian-era Haywood Road site and has been working with the council, patient groups and MP Sarah Smith to determine its future.

Plans, revealed in March, indicated the former hospital would be demolished to make way for a community hub, with a particular focus on serving those who are elderly or living with chronic illness.

Google A street view of Accrington Victoria Hospital - a red-brick period building with a modern covered entrance, painted in white and blue, over the entrance. A man is walking towards the white front entrance doors. — Prior to its closure, structural problems had emerged inside the hospital, which was built in the 1890s

The proposed facility will feature a GP surgery, housing for the elderly, a community hub, and specialist areas for drop-in clinics.

The NHS trust and Hyndburn Council chose a community-focused future for the site, following public consultation.

"The concerns of the community are clear around us selling the site for private housing or other commercial development. I want to categorically rule this out," Trust chief Martin Hodgson said, in March.

Despite substantial demolition, some iconic elements of the old building will be woven into the new health and care hub's fabric, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Elements of the building's facade, as well as plaques, founder stones, and a few of the hospital's old bricks, which will be salvaged once the structure has been dismantled and incorporated in the new facility.

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