Accrington Victoria Hospital plans revealed

The site of the former Accrington Victoria Hospital is to be regenerated with a new GP surgery, homes for frail or elderly residents, extra health services focused on older patients and those with long term conditions, a café and space for drop-in clinics.

The proposals are laid out in a strategic plan for the building which controversially closed in December 2024 as it was no longer considered safe for patients or staff.

Now the strategic group examining future options for the Haywood Road, Accrington site chaired by Hyndburn MP Sarah Smith has outlined its proposals for its future.

It includes the previous operator of ‘Accy Vic’ the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT), Hyndburn Council, the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Burnley-bases social housing provider Calico Homes.

The group’s vision for the Accrington Victoria site is to creating an integrated health and care hub with a particular focus on those who are elderly or living with chronic illness.

The key regeneration priorities are to:

secure approval for a GP practice to at the site;

to secure further health services, including those focused on helping the elderly and those with long-term conditions ;

create flexible spaces for health and community activity such as drop-in clinics or events including a café;

provide homes for frail or elderly residents or those who need extra care to live independently for as long as possible.

Retail and private housing development have been ruled out by ELHT and Hyndburn Council.

Now hoardings will go up; ground works will begin onsite; a planning application will be submitted to Hyndburn Council to dismantle the building capturing the original facade to be incorporated in any new designs; and work will start to rescue Victorian elements of the original hospital including  founder stones, inset windows, plaques and bricks to be reused in the replacement buildings.

Mr Smith said: “We understand how important this site is to local people and the deep and emotional ties people feel to Accrington Victoria Hospital, due to the way it was paid for when it was built over 130 years ago.

“We know that the community want to see further health provision returning to the site, including step down services and diagnostics.

“During the consultation people said that they want to see this site used for healthcare services, including a GP practice, as well as community spaces and supported living accommodation.

“We know that the site is beyond repair or refurbishment as a hospital. You can see from the roadside that it is in a dangerous condition and is full of materials including asbestos. It has been subject to vandalism and, in the past few weeks, illegal occupation of the grounds.

“I am confident we can do something really positive.”

Martin Hodgson, chief executive of ELHT, said: “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.

“I’m confident we can create something fantastic that means the legacy and spirit of ‘Accy Vic’ lives on.”

Anthony Duerden, Chief Executive of the Calico Group, added: “Developments of this size naturally bring challenges.

“Our recent work with ELHT at Dovestone Gardens shows what’s possible through strong partnerships, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to achieve the same here.”

ICB chief executive Aaron Cummins, said: “Recent new funding has allowed us to support the development of the Acorn Primary Health Care Centre into a real hub for people’s healthcare needs and the transformation of the Accrington Victoria site will complement that perfectly.

“Hyndburn is an area of high priority for the ICB because of the levels of health inequalities.”