PLANS for a new Airedale Hospital are amongst an ambitious £1.7 billion-plus package of proposals put forward to the Government.

The complex would be Europe’s first carbon-neutral hospital.

It would replace the existing building at Steeton, which opened in 1970, and be constructed on the same site.

The package – submitted by the Act as One health and care partnership, which covers Bradford district and Craven – also includes proposals for other new-build hospitals.

Lynfield Mount in Bradford would be rebuilt to develop a new acute inpatient facility.

And Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s would be replaced with a single-site, purpose-built hospital.

Those behind the bid say the new facilities would go beyond providing just hospital care and include options to encourage wider community use of the buildings to support people to live well – in addition to contributing to a wider economic regeneration of the region.

Brendan Brown, chief executive of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We have put together a compelling case which highlights that doing nothing is not an option for us at Airedale, due to our buildings now reaching the end of their life.

“Our plans would see us create the first carbon-neutral hospital in Europe, directly contributing to local and global efforts to combat climate change. Our proposal builds on detailed discussions with colleagues in NHS England and NHS Improvement and the Department of Health.”

Keighley MP Robbie Moore said: "Airedale is a brilliant hospital, but it is now more than 50 years old and made from aerated concrete - which is known for its structural deficiencies. I’ve been lobbying hard in Westminster for a full rebuild of the hospital and secured a debate in Parliament on the matter, so I am delighted plans for a rebuild have been submitted to the Government.

"We have got through the last eighteen months thanks to the dedication and commitment of nurses, doctors and NHS staff. As we recover from the pandemic, a brand new hospital will make sure we have the very best healthcare for Keighley and Ilkley long into the future.”

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, voices her backing for the package.

“We are excited by the proposal being submitted for the three new hospitals – which would revolutionise the way we deliver health and care whilst also contributing to our wider regeneration and recovery plans,” she said. “I fully support the collective bid, which shows the strength of our partnership that genuinely demonstrates the vision we have to Act as One in all that we do.”

Craven Council leader, Councillor Richard Foster, also gives his support.

“This is a truly impressive proposal that shows how we are working collaboratively to transform health and care,” he said. “I am delighted to be able to back this bid, that would bring a real sense of pride and help us attract the best talent to Bradford district and Craven. This bid could be a real game-changer for all of us.”

Helen Hirst, chief officer for NHS Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group, said the plans would “radically transform” health and care services for communities

The Government has already announced 32 new-build hospital projects and is now considering expressions of interest for a further eight. A decision is expected next spring.