Patients, visitors and staff will now benefit from improved access to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital following the completion of the latest phase of redevelopment on the site.
Earlier this week, representatives from NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, BAM UK & Ireland and the New Hospital Programme marked the completion of the new podium and link road during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
The scheme, which includes an extension to the new podium drop-off area at the hospital's main north entrance and a link road to Daulby Street, is another significant step in the transformation of the Royal site. The improvements will provide additional access routes for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, helping to ease congestion and support smoother journeys to and from the hospital.
Leanne Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Liverpool and Liverpool Women’s University Hospitals, said: “Providing easy and reliable access to our hospitals for patients, visitors and staff is essential. The new podium entrance and link road will improve how people travel to and access the Royal, offering greater choice and making journeys to and from the site easier.
“This is an important milestone, and I would like to thank our teams and partners whose hard work has made it possible. These improvements will significantly enhance the experience of entering and leaving the hospital for everyone who uses the site.”
Simon Atkinson, Project Manager, BAM UK & Ireland, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to hand over the new podium scheme five weeks ahead of schedule. Reaching this milestone early is a direct result of the incredible teamwork and shared passion between everyone at BAM, the NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, and our brilliant local suppliers.
"From day one, this project has been about more than just steel and concrete. It's about creating a smooth, stress-free welcome for patients, families and hard-working hospital staff. We couldn't be prouder of what we've built together for the Liverpool community, and we are excited to see it open ahead of time."
Leigh Carter, Project Lead at the New Hospital Programme, said: "The completion of the podium extension and access road is a significant achievement for the Royal site and an important step forward in its ongoing transformation. This investment demonstrates our commitment to delivering modern healthcare infrastructure through the New Hospital Programme, while working closely with partners to improve access, support future development, and create facilities that will benefit patients, staff and the wider community for many years to come."
With the podium and link road now complete, attention will turn to the next phase of redevelopment on the Royal site. Future plans will see the former hospital site transformed through improved access routes, new landscaping and outdoor spaces designed to support health and wellbeing. Developed in partnership with the New Hospital Programme, BAM UK & Ireland and the Eden Project, the scheme will include new public green spaces with native planting, trees and wildlife-friendly features, alongside new walking and cycling routes.
In addition, plans are being developed for a new multi-storey car park (MSCP) to support the future growth and development of the Royal site, helping to meet the needs of patients, visitors and staff accessing both the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.
Work is due to begin later this month and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with further details of the plans to be announced as the next phase gets underway.