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RAAC Discovery Shuts London Hospital Wing
21 Feb
Summary
- St. Mary's Hospital outpatient building to close March 31 due to RAAC.
- Trust seeks public input for masterplan to redevelop the aging site.
- Redevelopment aims for a new hospital by 2035, aiming to speed up timeline.
A key outpatient building at St. Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London, is scheduled for closure at the end of March due to safety concerns arising from the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, the hospital's operator, is currently seeking public feedback to inform the initial stages of a masterplan for the site's redevelopment.
Concerns about the hospital's condition are significant, with parts dating back to 1845. The discovery of RAAC in the main outpatient building, coupled with issues in other structures, has made a new St. Mary's Hospital increasingly urgent. Despite being part of the government's New Hospital Programme, works are not expected to begin for another decade, with completion anticipated in the 2040s.
The Trust is exploring accelerated funding and planning, aiming for a 2035 completion date for a new hospital. This redevelopment includes a taller hospital on a smaller footprint, with surplus land intended to expand Paddington Life Sciences, fostering economic growth and attracting investment. Public consultations are ongoing through an online survey until March 20, with in-person events also scheduled.
