Airedale General Hospital

Name: One Darnley Road
Price range: $

Yorkshire, UK

Services

Architecture

Sectors

Healthcare

People

AHR Hospital Airedale General Hospital Architecture Yorkshire View 01

AHR Hospital Airedale General Hospital Architecture Yorkshire View 03

project overview

Transforming healthcare for future generations

Airedale General Hospital is being reimagined to transform healthcare delivery across West and North Yorkshire and East Lancashire. The emerging design explores how patient outcomes can be improved, waiting times reduced and a more efficient, future-ready NHS facility created. Replacing the existing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) building, the proposals set out a modern, resilient and adaptable hospital shaped around people, supporting evolving models of care and long-term community needs.

Aligned with the NHS New Hospital Programme and Hospital 2.0 blueprint, the design is continuing to evolve through ongoing engagement with clinicians, partners and the local community. It brings together national best practice with local insight, shaping a digitally enabled, state of the art hospital that will enhance clinical efficiency, support staff and respond to a growing and ageing population. Delivered on the existing site, the proposals consider a single-phase build that would enable essential services to continue throughout construction, helping to minimise disruption while supporting the timely delivery of high quality healthcare environments.

We're so proud to be part of the team shaping this new hospital, which will completely transform how care is delivered and experienced. Our design supports a healthier, more inclusive environment for patients, supports clinical teams with high quality spaces and strengthens connections with the communities it serves."

Gareth Banks

Project Director, Architecture

design concept

Making care easier to access, more efficient to deliver and more supportive for recovery

The Hospital 2.0 template provides a strong foundation for the emerging design, helping to reduce travel distances and support more joined-up care. Current proposals explore how expanded same day emergency care, modern theatres and flexible clinical spaces could reduce waiting times and improve patient flow, enabling more procedures to take place without overnight stays.

Patient wellbeing is central to our approach as the design develops. Proposals include single en-suite rooms to support privacy, dignity and rest, alongside bright, welcoming spaces that make it easier for families and carers to be involved in care. Recognising the positive role that nature plays in recovery and wellbeing, the design carefully considers views of the surrounding rural landscape.

Outpatient services are being explored through a dedicated building next to the main hospital, with the aim of making appointments easier to access and reducing pressure on clinical areas. This supports NHS priorities to provide more care closer to home, alongside expanded community-based diagnostics and therapies.

The hospital is being shaped around the needs of the communities it serves. Emerging layouts for clinical spaces, departments and capacity are informed by long-term population data, helping to ensure the hospital is ready for the future while remaining adaptable.

The design responds sensitively to its surroundings, drawing inspiration from the rural Yorkshire countryside to inform how the Hospital 2.0 approach could be expressed through materials and proportions. Green spaces are intended to be retained and enhanced, supporting biodiversity and creating calm, restorative environments for patients, visitors and colleagues.

Proposals also consider improved pedestrian and cycling connections, helping the hospital feel better connected to the local area. Materials and architectural character are being developed to reflect the identity and heritage of Airedale, allowing the building to sit comfortably within its landscape.

key information

Project summary

Client

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust

Location

Keighley, BD20 6TD

Team

P+HS Architects
Curtins
HDR
Archus
KPMG
Aecom
Fira Landscape Ltd

Includes

Emergency Department (A&E)
Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit
Inpatient wards
Operating theatres
Critical care unit
Maternity services
Diagnostic imaging
Outpatient department
Community diagnostic and therapy services
Rehabilitation and therapy spaces
Staff wellbeing and support areas
Landscaped gardens and outdoor wellbeing areas

Team