First plans for new hospital revealed

An artist's impression of how the new hospital could look

Initial proposals for a new hospital in Gorleston, Norfolk, show it could be 10 storeys tall and have 630 beds – 80 more than in the existing facility.

Earlier this year the government confirmed that James Paget University Hospital would be rebuilt.

The trust that runs the JPH has submitted its first proposals for the project, which would also include two multi-storey car parks with up to 2,000 spaces.

The development would be built next to the existing hospital, which would remain in use in the meantime.

Work is due to begin in 2027 or 2028, and the project could cost up to £1.5bn.

The JPH serves up to 250,000 people in east Norfolk and Waveney, including Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.

It needs replacing as it is one of seven hospitals in England affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).

The current James Paget University Hospital opened in 1982

In an initial report submitted to Great Yarmouth Borough Council, the hospital trust said the new building would be up to 50m (about 165ft) tall, if it included a helipad.

That would be a marked difference from the current main building, which has two storeys.

The trust said it planned to retain a number of buildings at the site, including the education and training centre, the renal unit, the Louise Hamilton Centre and the MRI suite.

It said it would submit a full planning application later this year.