New £429m Royal Liverpool University Hospital given the green light

The hospital building will cost £335m

Plans for the new £429m "world class" Royal Liverpool University Hospital development have been approved.

The city hospital will be built next to the current site after Liverpool City Council planning chiefs gave the project the green light.

Hospital chief executive Aidan Kehoe said the new facility would provide the "most advanced" treatment for patients.

The part government and private finance initiative funded building is scheduled to open in 2017.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: "It is now all systems go for the new hospital, which is fantastic news for the city.

"This world class facility will bring massive health, education and economic benefits."

'Dignity for patients'

Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust said it would be the largest hospital in the country.

The hospital building alone will cost £335m and will include 18 theatres, 23 wards and 646 single bedrooms.

Mr Kehoe, from the trust, said: "We are creating a new kind of hospital designed to meet the needs of the people of Liverpool and Merseyside and dealing with the health challenges we face.

"It will provide both the most advanced treatment and the highest standards of comfort, privacy and dignity for patients. "

The development will create 750 full time construction jobs and will offer 100 apprenticeships.

Construction firm Carillion will also offer work opportunities for homeless people and unemployed 16 to 24 year olds.

The current hospital will be demolished once the new development is completed.