Health bosses bid to keep bell tower in hospital

The bell tower would be surrounded by a garden to create an attractive arrival space to the new hospital

Plans to incorporate a 150-year-old bell tower into a new hospital have been drawn up by health bosses.

Berwick Infirmary, which dates from the 1870s, is being replaced by a £35m state-of-the-art hospital on the same site.

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said while the tower did not have listed status, it was a prominent feature of the skyline and held "a strong emotional attachment" for some.

After considering issues such as cost, safety and feasibility, it is proposing to retain that section and replace attached buildings with landscaped gardens to be used by patients and the local community.

Damon Kent, managing director of Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management, said: "We know what an emotive issue this is and that opinion is split in the town around whether the bell tower should be retained or not.

"This is understandable as the tower has been a prominent feature on the Berwick skyline since 1874.

"Although it is not statutorily listed, we know it holds a strong emotional attachment for some."

The tower has been a feature of Berwick's skyline since 1874

Reports commissioned by the trust found it would be expensive to keep the bell tower section of the building in good repair and adapt it to other use.

It would also be unlikely to attract a developer due to the challenge of finding a functional commercial use within a busy operational hospital site.

Mr Kent said: "After a significant amount of engagement and consideration, we have made the decision to apply to retain the central tower element of the bell tower building.

"This means the tower could remain as a landmark on the new hospital site and as part of the Berwick skyline – as it has been for many years."

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.