Work starts on key infrastructure for new £1.3bn Leighton Hospital

Robertson Construction is delivering an electrical substation – a project that will ultimately power Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s proposed net zero hospital.

“It may only be a substation, but every major development needs to start with essential groundwork,” said Russ Favager, who is the responsible officer for Leighton New Hospital Programme at the trust’s board.

Favager continued: “The site currently has no power supply, so putting this critical infrastructure in place now ensures we’re ready to move quickly once planning permission for the new hospital is hopefully granted in spring 2026.”

The substation will be utilised by Scottish Power, which will have access to the site via Flowers Lane. Delivering the substation will require the removal of 50 metres of native hedgerows, which will be replanted.

Electrical substations are crucial elements for making renewable energy practical by connecting these electricity generators to the National Grid, regulating the flow of electricity, and providing backup capabilities to restore power quickly should it go out.

Robertson Construction North West is delivering the substation for the new Leighton Hospital. Credit: Robertson Group

The replacement Leighton Hospital, which currently has a budget of £1.3bn, is part of the government’s New Hospitals Programme. Its delivery has been accelerated due to the presence of RAAC in need of remediation at the facility. A planning application for the 1.2m sq ft hospital is due to be submitted before the end of the year.

Robertson’s North West division has been working at the current Leighton Hospital for the past four years, assisting in RAAC remediation and also delivering a baby bereavement suite and an Intensive Care Unit extension. Robertson won the substation work through the Procure Partnerships Framework.

Paul Coyle, commercial director of Robertson Construction North West, said: “We have worked with the trust since 2021 to maintain and improve its estate, and we look forward to continuing that partnership as we take this first major step towards the new hospital together, setting the high standard for the project’s next stage.”