The commencement of demolition on one of the most time-honoured operational hospital buildings within the NHS marks a pivotal milestone in the ongoing efforts to modernise the Royal Sussex County Hospital.
Dating back to 1828, the Barry Building serves as the focal point of this demolition project. While the process of internal soft strip work commenced in the preceding month, the hard demolition phase is set to kickstart this month, symbolising the tangible commencement of the hospital site’s metamorphosis.
Integral to the comprehensive £750 million modernisation initiative aimed at rejuvenating the Royal Sussex County Hospital on Eastern Road, Brighton, the removal of the Barry Building is poised to clear the path for the construction of the Sussex Cancer Centre, earmarked for relocation from the hospital’s eastern end.
A recent update presented to the board underscored the significance of the ongoing demolition endeavour. It was communicated, “The demolition of the Barry Building at the Royal Sussex County Hospital is now underway to prepare the site for our new Sussex Cancer Centre.”
Over the ensuing months, a meticulous deconstruction process will unfold, targeting not only the Barry Building but also several other antiquated structures within the hospital premises. These include the fracture clinic, the IT and data centre, the Nigel Porter Unit, and the ENT building. Additionally, plans are afoot for the removal of the temporary Hanbury Building, facilitating the relocation of hospital services during the construction of the new Louisa Martindale Building.
This ambitious redevelopment endeavour aspires to elevate patient care standards and enhance staff experiences by integrating cutting-edge facilities, innovative treatments, and advanced technologies. Emphasising the overarching vision, it was articulated, “It will usher in purpose-built facilities, leveraging novel treatments and technologies, expertise, and research within an environment conducive to improved patient and staff experiences for our radiotherapy, oncology, and haematology departments.”
Anticipation surrounds the impending demolition, with stakeholders expressing enthusiasm over the transformative potential of the forthcoming cancer centre. It was articulated, “We’re immensely enthused about this generational opportunity to revolutionise the care we’re poised to deliver for individuals grappling with cancer in Sussex.”
The modernisation scheme for the hospital, originally accorded planning permission in 2012, has undergone refinements, particularly concerning the Sussex Cancer Centre. A recent public consultation sought input on the revised design, with plans underway to formally submit an application to amend existing plans to Brighton and Hove City Council next month.
The Director of Capital Development and Planning underscored the positive impact of the ongoing redevelopment initiatives, affirming, “Stage 1 of the redevelopment, now christened the Louisa Martindale Building, has completely revitalised the clinical landscape for over 30 wards and departments since its opening to patients last June.” He added, “Stage 2 is poised to replicate this transformation for our radiotherapy, oncology, and haematology departments, furnishing state-of-the-art facilities for patients undergoing cancer treatment.”
As the demolition progresses and plans for the Sussex Cancer Centre continue to evolve, the Royal Sussex County Hospital embarks upon a new phase of modernisation, primed to deliver enhanced healthcare services to the community while upholding its legacy as a cornerstone of medical care in the region.
