An area close to Lancaster University’s Bailrigg campus has been announced by the NHS as the potential site for a new hospital.

The proposed Bailrigg East site, which is situated on an area of land north of campus, would house a replacement for Lancaster Royal Infirmary.

Planned development of the site is part of the New Hospitals Programme – a national investment initiative that aims to provide patients with high-quality, next-generation hospital facilities and technologies.

While the local NHS has secured the potential new site, a final decision will be subject to public consultation, and the existing Royal Lancaster Infirmary site will continue to deliver services until a new hospital is opened.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Andy Schofield said: “We welcome the announcement that land near Lancaster University’s campus is the ‘preferred site’ for Lancaster’s new hospital.

“This is a unique opportunity for our medical school, health and business experts to work alongside the hospital and to expand our work in partnership with the Trust, NHS and companies to deliver better patient outcomes and to improve healthcare in our region.

“Although there is some way to go, I’d also like to acknowledge the work and dedication of the Lancashire and South Cumbria New Hospitals programme, the Trusts and the advocacy of Cat Smith MP to advance healthcare in our region.”

Aaron Cummins, Chief Executive of University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, said: “A new hospital on a new site in Lancaster will allow us to fully address the significant problems that we face with the current ageing buildings at Royal Lancaster Infirmary and will bring huge benefits to our communities and to the wider economy.”

The local NHS now wants to hear from patients, residents and stakeholders about how the move to a new hospital site might affect them.

People will be invited to have their say through a survey and a series of public events, planned for launch in early 2025.

More information and maps of the potential new site are available on the New Hospitals Programme website.