Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL), in partnership with noviniti and Golbeck, has commenced work to develop a new 356-space Multi-Storey Car Park for patients and visitors at Freckleton Street, adjacent to the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary (RAEI), with completion expected by Winter 2025/26.
The development will also create an additional 64 surface spaces for Trust staff and has enabled the Trust to remodel and increase its Blue Badge parking provision on the main RAEI site, with 21 additional Blue Badge patient and visitor spaces, ensuring close proximity to services for those who require it, where possible.
John Fairhurst, Director of Estates and Facilities said: “This much needed development, along with enhancements to other Trust car parks, will significantly improve our overall car parking capacity, providing the Trust with an additional 420 parking spaces, and we are pleased to announce that work is now underway. We acknowledge that the construction period may cause some disruption, but by making these temporary changes now, we can ensure an improved solution for everyone, with the new car park addressing feedback from our communities and providing a better experience to everyone who visits our hospital.”
Jonathan Houlston, CEO at noviniti, WWL’s appointed developer for the project, said: “It is a great pleasure for noviniti to have been appointed as developer by WWL to deliver the new Multi-Storey Car Park at Freckleton Street near to the RAEI. Working in partnership with Goldbeck, the appointed construction company, this much needed facility will greatly ease on-site traffic congestion and positively contribute to the patient and visitor experience.”
The new car park replaces the previous surface level car park and will significantly improve the parking experience for patients and visitors to the RAEI, as well as helping to resolve challenges raised by local residents regarding parking and congestion on the site.
The development will be a highly functional and well-designed car park, including electric vehicle charging provision supporting the Trust’s progress to become Net Zero, external cladding which will improve glare by reducing light spill, and an overall safe and secure parking system.
John continued: "We really appreciate the support of our hardworking staff, patients, residents and visitors, and their continued patience and understanding as we continue to work together to enhance and invest in our services for you, our community.”