What is happening to the current Airedale hospital building?

The existing Airedale General Hospital contains Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), which has a limited lifespan and requires ongoing maintenance. The current proposals are for a new hospital that would replace this structure with a modern, high quality facility designed to meet current safety, performance and sustainability standards. This would create a more resilient environment better suited to modern healthcare delivery.

How will the new hospital improve patient experience and outcomes?

The emerging design focuses on creating a more efficient and supportive healthcare environment. A clearer layout is intended to reduce travel distances within the hospital and support faster, more joined-up care. Expanded same day emergency care and modern theatre facilities are proposed to enable more treatments without overnight stays, helping to reduce waiting times. Single en-suite rooms are planned to support privacy, dignity and infection control, while access to natural light, views and green spaces would help support recovery and overall wellbeing.

What changes are being made to access, parking and transport?

We’re looking carefully at how people travel to and from the hospital. Early proposals include improved pedestrian and cycling routes to better connect with the surrounding area, alongside well-organised access points for vehicles. Parking provision is being considered to support patients, visitors and colleagues, while managing traffic flow safely and efficiently across the site.

How will the hospital support future healthcare needs?

The design is being developed in response to long-term population data and changing models of care. Flexible clinical spaces are proposed to allow the hospital to adapt over time, supporting advances in technology and evolving healthcare delivery. The inclusion of a dedicated outpatient building and expanded community-based services reflects the NHS ambition to provide more care closer to home, helping to ensure the hospital remains fit for the future.

How is sustainability being considered in the project?

Sustainability is being embedded throughout the emerging design. The proposals include an energy efficient, digitally enabled hospital designed to reduce environmental impact over time. Enhancing green infrastructure, supporting biodiversity and creating healthy indoor environments are key priorities, helping to shape a building that is environmentally responsible and supportive of long-term wellbeing.

AHR Hospital Airedale General Hospital Architecture Yorkshire View 01

Project News

Sharing what local healthcare at Airedale General Hospital could look like

Min Read

by AHR

We’re proud to be part of the team developing early design proposals for the new Airedale General Hospital in Yorkshire, a project that will transform how care is delivered across West and North Yorkshire and East Lancashire.

The team, led by P+HS Architects in partnership with us, including Curtins, AECOM, HDR, Archus, KPMG and Fira Landscape Ltd, brings together award winning expertise and a shared vision for a hospital that is forward-looking, inclusive and responsive to the needs of patients, staff and the wider community.

Local people, communities and partners are now invited to help shape the next stage of the design as it develops. We’re sharing initial outline proposals to start a conversation and gather feedback before the design is progressed further.

AHR Hospital Airedale General Hospital Architecture Yorkshire View 03

Reflecting local priorities and supporting positive outcomes

A vision for a state of the art hospital designed around people

The new Airedale General Hospital will replace the existing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) building with a modern, resilient and digitally enabled healthcare environment.

Aligned with the NHS New Hospital Programme and Hospital 2.0 blueprint, the emerging design brings together national best practice and local insight. It supports faster, more efficient care, reduces waiting times and creates a flexible setting that can adapt as healthcare needs evolve.

At this stage, we’re focusing on making care easier to access, more efficient to deliver and more supportive for recovery.
A clear and intuitive layout brings related services together, helping people move through the hospital more comfortably while supporting clinical teams in delivering joined-up care."

Gareth Banks

Director, Architecture

Supporting NHS priorities and healthier communities

The design responds directly to key NHS priorities, including improving patient flow, expanding same day emergency care and increasing access to community-based services.

Modern theatres and flexible clinical spaces is intended to allow more procedures to take place without overnight stays. A dedicated outpatient building is designed to make appointments simpler and more accessible, helping to reduce pressure on the main hospital and supporting care closer to home.

Single en-suite rooms will support privacy, dignity and rest, while welcoming, light-filled spaces will make it easier for families and carers to stay connected throughout treatment and recovery.

Designed with nature, community and wellbeing in mind

Wellbeing sits at the heart of our approach. Views of the surrounding landscape are carefully framed, and green spaces are enhanced to support biodiversity and create calm, restorative environments.

You can discover more about the design concept by visiting our project page

You have until 24 July 2026 to share your views on how these initial proposals could meet the needs of our local communities

Frequently asked questions

: The existing Airedale General Hospital contains Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), which has a limited lifespan and requires ongoing maintenance. The current proposals are for a new hospital that would replace this structure with a modern, high quality facility designed to meet current safety, performance and sustainability standards. This would create a more resilient environment better suited to modern healthcare delivery.
: The emerging design focuses on creating a more efficient and supportive healthcare environment. A clearer layout is intended to reduce travel distances within the hospital and support faster, more joined-up care. Expanded same day emergency care and modern theatre facilities are proposed to enable more treatments without overnight stays, helping to reduce waiting times. Single en-suite rooms are planned to support privacy, dignity and infection control, while access to natural light, views and green spaces would help support recovery and overall wellbeing.
: We’re looking carefully at how people travel to and from the hospital. Early proposals include improved pedestrian and cycling routes to better connect with the surrounding area, alongside well-organised access points for vehicles. Parking provision is being considered to support patients, visitors and colleagues, while managing traffic flow safely and efficiently across the site.
: The design is being developed in response to long-term population data and changing models of care. Flexible clinical spaces are proposed to allow the hospital to adapt over time, supporting advances in technology and evolving healthcare delivery. The inclusion of a dedicated outpatient building and expanded community-based services reflects the NHS ambition to provide more care closer to home, helping to ensure the hospital remains fit for the future.
: Sustainability is being embedded throughout the emerging design. The proposals include an energy efficient, digitally enabled hospital designed to reduce environmental impact over time. Enhancing green infrastructure, supporting biodiversity and creating healthy indoor environments are key priorities, helping to shape a building that is environmentally responsible and supportive of long-term wellbeing.