A public consultation has been launched as part of the planning process for NHS Lanarkshire’s exciting proposals for a replacement University Hospital Monklands.
It runs from 2 March until 29 March, and staff and other members of the community can take part through a dedicated website – www.keppiedesign.co.uk/mrp.
The website will host two live and interactive public consultation events, with a “chat box” function to put questions to members of the Monklands Replacement Project (MRP) team about the plans to build the new hospital at Wester Moffat Farm, Airdrie. The events are on:
- Thursday 17 March, 4-8pm;
- Saturday 19 March, 12-4pm.
The online resource also has frequently asked questions and information sections on the MRP proposals, including:
- Wester Moffat site details;
- the “village” design concept for the building;
- the “woodland strategy” (landscaping, views etc);
- connectivity (road infrastructure, public transport provision);
- parking provision;
- active travel (options for walking/cycling to the hospital);
- access (how people will find their way around);
- net zero carbon ambitions and the vision for Scotland’s first digital hospital
- the developing plans for how departments will be arranged;
- information on supporting studies including a transport assessment and an environmental impact assessment.
An eye-catching and inspirational new video about the MRP’s vision also features on the website, highlighting the net zero and digital opportunities, the forward-thinking model for clinical care, design development, the creation of a modern facility where staff can flourish through technology and the enhancement of their wellbeing, and the employment and training opportunities the hospital will bring for the local area and beyond.
MRP director Graeme Reid said: “We intend to submit an application for planning permission to North Lanarkshire Council later this year.
“Undertaking this public consultation before the planning application is submitted provides a fantastic opportunity to hear the views of stakeholders – the public, including those who live in the vicinity of the site, staff in NHS Lanarkshire and the health & social care partnerships, and any other members of the community who wish to comment on the proposals.
“The feedback from stakeholders has been crucial to the project so far and we hope anyone who has specific questions about our plans can join us at one of the online events for a live chat.”
The community can also provide feedback through a form on the website or by contacting the MRP team:
- Email – MRP.Team@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
- Phone – 01698 752320
- Write to – FREEPOST RTEJ-HZLK-AETZ, Communications Department, NHS Lanarkshire, Kirklands, Fallside Road, Bothwell, G71 8BB.
In line with current Scottish Government guidance, the pre-application consultation is online due to the pandemic. Anyone who requires a printed version of consultation materials should contact the MRP team by email/phone/Freepost as above.
With the support of the MRP’s lead advisors, Currie & Brown, and planning experts from the project’s architects, Keppie Design, all feedback will be analysed and collated in a detailed consultation report that will be submitted to North Lanarkshire Council for consideration along with the planning application. After the planning application is lodged the public will have the opportunity to make representations direct to the council to inform the local authority’s consideration of the application.
