The Leighton Hospital Redevelopment is a landmark healthcare project forming part of the UK’s New Hospitals Programme (NHP), delivering a future-ready healthcare facility for communities across Cheshire and Staffordshire.
Originally constructed in the 1970s using Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), the current estate presents significant structural and maintenance challenges. In line with national requirements to eliminate RAAC from NHS facilities by 2030, the Trust secured inclusion in the New Hospitals Programme in 2023, enabling delivery of a modern and resilient replacement hospital.
The new development will provide more than 100,000m² of state-of-the-art accommodation across six storeys, constructed on a brownfield site adjacent to the existing hospital. Designed using standardised NHP templates, the scheme aims to improve efficiency, reduce risk and enhance cost certainty while integrating advanced digital technologies to optimise operational performance.
Our approach
Gleeds was appointed in February 2024 to provide project management services, including NEC4 professional service contract (PSC) service management, alongside programme management support. Working as an integrated partner to the Trust, Gleeds assembled a team from across its Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Nottingham offices, to blend experienced healthcare and NEC4 specialists with emerging talent, fostering both delivery excellence and professional development. The scale, complexity and critical nature of the programme required robust project and contract management expertise. With multiple interdependent workstreams, evolving programme timelines and rigorous compliance requirements Gleeds has focussed on strengthening governance coordination, and delivery confidence.
Gleeds responsibilities:
Managing the Architect-Led Design Team (ALDT)
Supporting enabling works and associated projects, including research and education facilities
Administering NEC4 contracts to ensure compliance, transparency and collaboration
Providing programme and scheduling oversight.
Following strong performance, Gleeds has since secured appointment through RIBA Stages 3 and 4, continuing until November 2027.
The impact
The project is highly collaborative, yet follows a structured project management approach, providing the Trust with confidence in governance, contract administration and programme delivery. Key outcomes include:
Extension of Gleeds’ commission through to November 2027
Forecast revenue of £2.35m for the extended appointment period
Strengthened programme assurance and stakeholder confidence
Effective management of complex design and enabling workstreams.
The Leighton Hospital Redevelopment is set to become a flagship example of modern healthcare infrastructure delivery, with the first patient occupancy anticipated in early 2033. Gleeds continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the Trust in delivering a resilient, future-focused hospital that meets the needs of its community.
