Councillors have been told that the rebuild of Airedale Hospital could begin in 2028, and may cost up to £1.5 billion.
And there has been a call to use local labour to build the new hospital – which is likely to be one of the biggest developments in the District in the coming years.
Airedale Hospital in Steeton is in a poor state, with 83 per cent of the building constructed of RAAC concrete.
After years of campaigning, a rebuild of the hospital was agreed as part of the Government’s New Hospital programme.
The rebuild was confirmed by Government earlier this year – with Airedale selected as one of the first wave of hospital rebuild that would begin between 2025 and 2030.
At a meeting of Bradford Council’s Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday, members were given an update on the rebuild.
A report to the committee said: “A capital funding envelope of between £1 and £1.5 billion has been confirmed, recognising the need to completely rebuild the hospital.
“Building the new hospital will be complex and come with considerable challenges. We need to make sure services remain safe and can continue effectively during construction.”
Before the rebuild starts there will need to be preliminary works to the site, including a new secondary vehicular access from Skipton Road and construction of a multi-storey carpark to improve parking facilities for patients, visitors and staff while the new hospital is being built.
At the meeting Stuart Shaw, Director of Strategy, Planning and Partnerships at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The current hospital is a 1960s build, it is two storeys over a huge space, with long corridors connecting different buildings.
“The new build will be more compact.”
Councillor Alun Griffiths (Lib Dem, Idle and Thackley) said: “You’ll be building up rather than out?”
He replied: “It will be a taller building, more than two storeys.”
Councillors were told the new hospital would have a similar number of beds to the current hospital.
Cllr Griffiths added: “You’ll be working to a specification that is nationally mandated – are you confident there will be no major issues with that?”
Mr Shaw replied: “From what we know, yes.”
Councillor Paul Sullivan (Cons, Bingley Rural) wanted to know more about the time frame, asking: “When are we guaranteed to have a nice new hospital?”
Mr Shaw said: “There is a 2028 start date. Until we’ve spoken to Government it would be wrong to say when it would be completed.”
Councillor Paul Godwin (Lab, Keighley West) used to work at Airedale, and said: “I would like to see as much local labour used to build the hospital as possible. I hope we don’t look at bringing in cheap labour from elsewhere, because local people have a commitment to their area.”
Accessibility boost as new changing places toilet opens in Malham
Tourist tax would be 'total game changer', says Mayor
Skipton Charity golf day to be held for 2025 Pride of Britain winner
North Yorkshire taxi drivers call for fare increase to offset Iran War fuel increases
Devolution will fail if decisions are York-centric, say angry North Yorkshire councillors
Craven Lawn Tennis Club to open grounds for fundraising weekend
Tory councillor used photo of tragedy which claimed the lives of 116 children to make point on social media
Airedale Hospital's cancer team launch radiotherapy website
Skipton MP raises concerns over changes to 580 bus service
Lothersdale and Glusburn students to climb Yorkshire Three Peaks for Airedale Hospital
Police investigate assault in Skipton
Glusburn Community & Arts Centre calls for funds to keep the lights on
Northern passengers reminded some train times will change from Sunday
Jumble sale to be held in aid of woman's cancer journey
Thornton Hall Country Park Continues to Grow with New Team Members
Skipton Boxing Club nominated for 'Local Hero' award
Skipton Beer Festival shares 2026 lineup
Clubberthon raises over £7,000 for hospice charity
Your Skipton collaborates with Skipton BID for first visual podcast
Skipton BID to host first ever launch event for Skipton Business Awards 2026
