Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In 2023, the Government confirmed that Leighton Hospital would be rebuilt. Since then, we have secured land next to the current hospital site to build the new hospital.

In 2025, in relation to delivery, the government has said the our programme would be part of the ‘Wave 1’ schemes.

A planning application to build the new hospital was submitted to Cheshire East Council in December 2025. A decision is expected in May 2026.

While we are focussed on building a new hospital, our long-term ambition is to develop a health and care neighbourhood. This ambition includes: 

• providing modern hospital care 

• supporting mental health 

• helping people manage their health 

• delivering more care closer to home

The current hospital building is ageing and must be replaced.

In addition, our local population is growing, more people are living longer, and more people have complex health needs.

That’s why we need a hospital that is safe, modern and fit for the future.

This is a very big project that affects many people and organisations across Mid Cheshire. 

We are working with: 

• NHS Cheshire and Merseyside 

• Cheshire East Council 

• Cheshire West and Chester Council 

• Local GPs 

• Healthwatch groups 

• Community groups 

• Trust staff 

• Patients 

Working together helps us design services that meet local needs.

We understand many staff, patients and hospital visitors have concerns about parking. That is why the plans for the new hospital include: 

• a multi-storey car park with up to 1,000 spaces 

• additional surface parking spaces 

• improved access for vehicles and pedestrians 

• better cycling routes 

• improved public transport options 

We are also working with local councils to support better bus services. 

Social value means making sure our work helps the whole community. We want to create lasting benefits for local people. 

As part of our Social Value Plan, we have three big ideas: 

• Encourage walking, cycling and green travel 

• Support health and wellbeing activities 

• Inspire young people in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) 

Visit the social value page for more information.

Meeting, speaking, and listening to our local communities is very important to us. That’s why we have an ongoing commitment to engage with as many people, groups, and organisations as possible.

We will also: 

• hold and attend public events 

• share updates 

• ask for feedback 

• listen to patients and staff 

Details about upcoming events and opportunities will be shared in advance on the Latest Events page. 

On land just north of the current Leighton Hospital site. This land was purchased in 2024.

Building work should begin in 2028 and we plan to open in the 2032/33 financial year.

• Spring 2026 – Planning application decision by Cheshire East Council 

• Summer 2026 – Appointment of the contractor that will build the new hospital 

• Autumn 2026 – Submission of an Outline Business Case to the New Hospital Programme team.  

• Summer 2027 – Enabling works to begin on site 

• Early 2028 – The Full Business Case will be agreed  

• 2028 – Main works start on site 

• 2032/33 – New hospital opens 

The OBC looks at the best way to achieve the new hospital goals and benefits within the budget available. 

The FBC sets out the final design, proves it is good value for money, and explains how the hospital will be built and handed over. 

The hospital will have an internal area of 102,682sqm across six floors, which is a little bigger than the current hospital. The new hospital will be about 40 metres tall, and large enough for future needs. ​​​​​

Watch this video to get a better understanding of its size and scale.

Our scheme is part of the government’s New Hospital Programme and Government will pay for the new hospital, and the budget is £1.35 billion.

Yes, we received permission in June 2026.

After staff, patients and services move to the new hospital, most of the old buildings will be knocked down. Some parts will stay and be improved for other uses.

Our long-term ambition is for the area to become a health and care neighbourhood. We will ask the community for their views and opinions before making future plans for the site.

The site will not be sold for things like housing or shops.

Yes, our plans do include a centre for cancer care. We will give further details about this in due course. 

The Trust does not intend to move any existing community services to the new site. Current services will continue to be provided to communities as they are now.

The new hospital will use modern technology to: 

• keep electronic health records 

• offer online appointments 

• support video consultations 

• help doctors make quick and safe decisions 

• reduce waiting times 

Patients will be able to: 

• book appointments online 

• view records 

• get reminders 

We know not everyone is confident with technology so help will always be available to them.

A smart hospital uses technology to control things like heating, lighting and air conditioning. For example, if a room is empty, lights and heating can be turned down to save energy.

Smart systems can also help people find appointments, manage waiting areas, and improve access to car parking spaces.

We are looking at a few options, including solar panels, heat pumps and other renewable technologies. Our aim is for the hospital to be net zero carbon. The Trust supports the NHS vision to be ‘the world’s first net zero health service and respond to climate change, improving health now and for future generations.’

The new hospital will follow the national Hospital 2.0 design approach.

This is a modern and efficient way to build hospitals. It uses standard designs that: 

• improve patient care 

• support staff 

• reduce building time 

• provide better value for money