PLANS for the new state-of-the-art Airedale Hospital have been showcased in Parliament.

Virtual reality technology, videos and models were used to spotlight how the replacement Steeton hospital could look.

Government health secretary Steve Barclay and the minister responsible for hospital rebuilding, Lord Nicholas Markham, were amongst those at the briefing.

It was announced in May that the existing, crumbling building would be replaced.

The new-build scheme, part of an ambitious £1.7 billion-plus package of proposals put forward in 2021, has secured a place on the Government’s New Hospital Programme.

Airedale Hospital, built in the late 1960s, was largely constructed using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete which was found to have a lifespan of 30 years. Structural engineers have advised that the hospital should be replaced as soon as possible.

Mr Barclay told the parliamentary gathering that the new building would be constructed using a concept known as Hospital 2.0.

Under the scheme, standardised designs and modular builds are used with the aim of speeding up the construction process and reducing costs.

Major building components are manufactured offsite, and then brought in.

It's estimated that the concept reduces costs compared to other methods by up to 20 per cent, and speeds up construction by as much as 25 per cent.

The new hospital will be built on the current site and is planned to be more environmentally friendly, making use of a range of sustainable technologies.

Keighley MP Robbie Moore attended the event.

He says: "The Government's announcement of a full rebuild for Airedale Hospital was one of the most significant investments announced for our community in decades and one of my proudest moments so far as MP.

"It was extremely exciting to see the plans up close at this showcase, as well as to meet with our health secretary and minister to discuss next steps for this landmark project.

"I emphasised that whilst funding is now secured, the real work begins, and I look forward to working closely with the Government and Airedale NHS Foundation Trust to see these plans come to fruition no later than 2030."

The announcement of the new-build hospital was widely welcomed.

Foluke Ajayi, chief executive of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said the new facility would have "far-reaching benefits" for the community.

Bradford Council leader, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, described the announcement as "fantastic news" for the people of the district, and said it followed much collective campaigning.