A masterplan supporting the £600m 'once in a generation' transformation of North Manchester General into a state-of-the-art ‘health campus’ has been approved by the city council.
The dilapidated hospital in Crumpsall - parts of which were first built in the 19th century - has suffered from ‘chronic’ under-investment despite serving people with some of the poorest health in the country.
But councillors have expressed hope that the rebuild, which is expected to take 10 years, will allow north Manchester to ‘rise like a phoenix’ and transform the lives of those who live there.
The draft strategic regeneration framework developed by the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust sets out plans for two new hospitals offering acute and mental health care.
A wellbeing hub with meeting rooms and a community cafe is also proposed to help those who need a little more support to get well and stay healthy.
Extra training facilities would be provided for hospital staff, while also offering opportunities for local residents to learn the skills needed to get a job at the new campus.
The proposals also include a ‘healthy neighbourhood’, which will include key worker and extra care accommodation, along with social housing and office space for local businesses.
Meanwhile a village green would be provided at the heart of the campus with outdoor play and fitness facilities that can be used by patients, staff, and the wider community.
Sir Michael Deegan, chief executive of the trust, said: "Regeneration of the NMGH site is fundamental to tackling the high levels of ill-health and disability affecting local people, delivering once in a generation, transformational change."
The strategic regeneration framework was unanimously endorsed by Manchester council’s executive on Wednesday, paving the way for further consultation with residents, businesses, hospital patients and staff, and other stakeholders.
Council leader Sir Richard Leese told the meeting that he had pointed out the crumbling Victorian buildings to Boris Johnson during a visit to the hospital last year.
The prime minister promised that North Manchester General Hospital would be rebuilt, and the hospital trust and partners has since received £54m in government funding to progress the plans.
“It’s a phenomenal proposal and one that will be absolutely transformatory not just for that part of Crumpsall, but for the whole of north Manchester and going beyond our own boundaries into Prestwich and Middleton,” said Sir Richard.
The council leader had previously described the North Manchester General Hospital revamp as a 'key pillar' of the city’s post-Covid-19 recovery.
Harpurhey councillor Pat Karney said the council was determined and dedicated to make the ‘momentous’ plan a reality for communities struggling with ‘deep-rooted’ deprivation caused by years of austerity.
Children born in north Manchester can expect to live five years less than those born elsewhere in the UK.
Life expectancy is below 60 years for both men and women, who live nine fewer years in good health than the England average.
“For many of us this is personal, this hospital has been there at momentous moments in all our lives,” said Coun Karney.
“We look forward, as councillors and residents of north Manchester, to the rebirth of our area.
“We will rise like a phoenix, starting today with this phenomenal and momentous investment in our area.”
