Whittingham, Preston
Background
The former Whittingham hospital closed in the early 90s and the site now forms part of English Partnerships’ Hospital Sites Programme.
The site is situated to the north east of Preston on the edge of Goosnargh Village. It is the first in the north west to be brought forward and, at almost 60 ha (147 acres), is one of the largest in English Partnerships’ Hospital Sites Programme.
The site comprises three groups of buildings - St Margaret’s, the majority of which has already been demolished, along with Cameron House and St Luke’s, which are in a severe state of dereliction.
Detailed planning permission was granted in 2003 for a mixed-use scheme comprising 584 homes, including 50 affordable homes, office space, a site for a new primary school and community and recreation facilities.
Taylor Wimpey was appointed as preferred developer in 2007 to transform the derelict site.
Current Status
Revised planning permission has now been submitted for a new and vibrant development with a mix of housing to meet local needs, new job opportunities and community and recreation facilities. The development will also provide a site for a new primary school.
As a condition of the existing planning permission, the comprehensive development of the site cannot take place until the construction of a bypass is commenced from Junction 1 of the M55 to the north of Broughton Village.
Next steps
- Planning permission secured – spring 2008
- Compulsory Purchase (CPO) for bypass to be confirmed - autumn 2008
- Remediation starts – spring 2009
- Housing starts on site – early 2010