The 94-acre greenfield site at Bailrigg East in Lancaster, situated north of – and in close proximity to – Lancaster University has been sold to the NHS and earmarked as the proposed new location for the Royal Lancaster Infirmary. Savills sold the site on behalf of a private landowner client.
Savills development director Simon Douglas, comments: “The sale of this site has been 15 years in the making, with the land having been identified as a strategic site with potential for housing development. After an incredibly long planning and promotion period, this is, without question, one of the most satisfying deals I have ever completed on behalf of a client.
“Some years ago, we sold a neighbouring parcel of land to Lancaster University which has become a renowned health innovation centre. To now complete on this deal, which will position Royal Lancaster Infirmary right on the doorstep of this campus, is not only fantastic news for the area and the local economy, but wonderful for UK and global health innovation generally.”
Aaron Cummins, Chief Executive of University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, said:“A new hospital on a new site in Lancaster will allow us to fully address the significant problems that we face with the current ageing buildings at Royal Lancaster Infirmary and will bring huge benefits to our communities and to the wider economy.
“We have the opportunity to create a legacy, with a hospital specifically designed for the needs of our population, improving their experience and giving them the best clinical care. We additionally have significant ambitions to create facilities that are digitally innovative, much more cost effective, and with a reduced carbon footprint.”
National law firm Mills & Reeve has acted for the landowners for several years and provided legal advice on the sale.
Savills News
Land sale to pave way for new North West hospital site
The sale of a large parcel of land in a Lancashire city has paved the way for a potential new hospital site in the North West of England.