In October 2020, West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT) acquired Hardwick Manor to keep our options open while assessing potential sites for the new hospital. After an extensive evaluation of over 20 locations, this was reduced to four shortlisted options:
The risk associated with being able to buy the land and the complexity of the construction process:
Given that we already own the land at Hardwick lane, the risk associated with acquiring it was negated.
The cost of the overall project:
The estimated costs of a phased development, where we demolish and rebuild parts of the site in stages, are high due to it being a longer process I.e. the longer we require a construction team, the higher the cost. This makes the project less affordable
The effect on patient care and experience:
Redeveloping our existing site whilst maintaining our current level of clinical services and avoiding major disruption to patient care and experience, would prove problematic and is a significant reason why this option did not score highly during the evaluation process.
Whilst Hardwick Manor did not score as highly as some other sites on matters like ecology or transport, it did achieve the highest score overall and has a number of significant benefit.
The risk associated with being able to buy the land and the complexity of the construction process:
We already own the site which eliminates the risk of us not being able to buy it. We purchased the site when it became available to maximise our choices when considering options for the location of a new hospital.
The cost of the overall project:
It is located in close proximity to the current site. This means that we can continue to use the modern facilities on Hardwick Lane, such as such as the potential to retain existing car parks, the education centre our new staff accommodation, Quince House, the sterile services unit, the Education Centre, and the Day Surgery Unit. Re-locating the main hospital.
The effect on patient care and experience:
Research has shown the positive benefits that green space has on the recovery of patients and the wellbeing of staff. The parkland setting of Hardwick Manor provides real benefits in this area.
The risk associated with being able to buy the land and the complexity of the construction process:
Similar to Westley, the site at Rougham is not owned by us and there is a risk that we would not be able to buy it.
The cost of the overall project:
Other sites evaluated were able to make use of existing accommodation. At Rougham Airfield, we would need to re-construct the whole hospital currently situated on Hardwick Lane, including the buildings which have recently been built and/or remain fit for purpose. This would lead to a greater amount of land being required, in comparison to some other sites, and additional buildings being constructed meaning the overall project cost
The effect on patient care and experience:
As with Westley, the positive benefits of green space on patients and staff and the effect this also has on patient experience was a consideration. Rougham Airfield doesn’t have the same potential to provide access to a heath and parkland setting in the same way that other sites evaluated did.
This site, close to the A14, on the edge of Westley has long since been identified within West Suffolk Council’s plan for the town as a location for a new West Suffolk Hospital.
The risk associated with being able to buy the land and the complexity of the construction process:
Despite being earmarked for health purposes, there is no guarantee that we would be able to buy the land. Historically, other NHS hospitals have faced challenges in obtaining land and this was a concern. The purchase of this site is made more difficult by the fact that it has multiple owners, all of whom would need to agree a sale and a price. The site has also been identified for residential development, a fact that complicates the planning process and increases the cost of a development as a relief road would be required to.
The cost of the overall project:
To avoid the operational difficulties of a hospital split over two sites, a ‘greenfield’ site such as Westley would need to host our entire hospital and its associated buildings. This would lead to the demolition of modern buildings and the need to acquire a significant piece of land – both of which would increase cost and wastage.
The effect on patient care and experience:
As mentioned, the ability of a site to provide access to a natural environment is an important factor in the recovery of patients and the wellbeing of staff. The Westley site does not have access to green space and the hospital would be in close proximity to a major road, a railway a housing estate and a relief road. This was viewed as undesirable in terms of outlook for patients and staff as well as being a source of noise and pollution.
Following thorough and extensive evaluation, Hardwick Manor was proposed as the most suitable location and in December 2020, we announced it as our preferred site.
How was the site chosen?
Four shortlisted sites underwent rigorous assessment by technical experts, including surveyors, planners, and highways professionals. We also consulted key stakeholders such as Healthwatch Suffolk, the hospital union ‘Staffside,’ the Trust Executive Group, and our Trust members to ensure that the voices of staff, patients, and the public were considered.
Key factors influencing the decision included:
Transport links and accessibility.
Environmental impact and sustainability.
Capacity for future expansion.
Financial feasibility and responsible use of public funds.
Why Hardwick Manor?
Several compelling reasons made Hardwick Manor the preferred choice:
Trust ownership – Already owning the site eliminated acquisition risks and ensured public funds could be directed towards building state-of-the-art facilities.
Space for growth – The combined area of Hardwick Manor and the current Hardwick Lane site offers the most space for future healthcare expansion.
Integration with existing services – Close proximity to the current site allows us to retain key facilities, such as the education centre, new staff accommodation, the Eye Care Centre, and Quince House, ensuring continuity of care.
A healing environment – The parkland setting of Hardwick Manor provides a calm, scenic space that benefits patient recovery and staff wellbeing.
Collaboration with partner organisations – Maintaining close relationships with co-located services, such as Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, St. Nicholas Hospice, and the Macmillan Information Centre, will enhance integrated care.
Explore Hardwick Manor
Planning Approval and Next Steps
While Hardwick Manor did not initially have planning permission for a hospital, the West Suffolk Council Planning Committee approved our outline planning application on 30 November 2022—a vital milestone for the project.
Since then, enabling works have commenced in readiness to prepare the site for the main construction. This progress reflects the dedication of our team and the invaluable support from our local community.
The new West Suffolk Hospital at Hardwick Manor represents a bold step forward, ensuring a world-class healthcare facility for generations to come.
