Updated plans for a new hospital and residential development on the Whipps Cross site include proposals for at least 1,500 new homes but a smaller hospital with fewer beds.

In the latest round of public consultations, Barts Health NHS Trust – which runs the Leytonstone hospital – has revealed designs to transform the area in pursuit of its vision of a ‘hospital in a garden and a garden in a hospital’.

The latest proposals for the new NHS hospital, due to be completed by 2026, detail plans for a smaller hospital at 80,000 square meters down from the current 91,000, but the trust insists the layout will “be organised much more efficiently” and will boast a larger share of clinical space – 65 per cent up from about 50 per cent in the current hospital.

A report released by the trust in September of last year explained the new building would have around 50 fewer beds.

However, a spokesperson for the trust said the new hospital will provide “improved patient care and dignity with more single rooms and garden terraces”.

A sketch looking north-east showing the trusts updated proposals for the Whipps Cross site. The new hospital is shaded in blue and the new multi-storey car park isshaded in purple. Photo: Barts Health NHS Trust

A sketch looking north-east showing the trust's updated proposals for the Whipps Cross site. The new hospital is shaded in blue and the new multi-storey car park isshaded in purple. Photo: Barts Health NHS Trust

Barts says the site will deliver a “minimum” of 1,500 homes, including 50 per cent affordable, with key worker housing “being considered”.

Residential buildings close to existing homes are proposed to be eight storeys or smaller, increasing in height towards the centre of the development, where the buildings could range from eight to 11 storeys, with one building potentially towering above the rest at 18 storeys.

As of right now, the plans are for a “car-free development” with no proposals for providing any parking spaces beyond basic disabled provisions.

A hospital car park will provide 500 spaces, down from the 600 proposed in initial plans, and is said to be ready to open at the end of 2022.

The trust says it plans at to create a “vibrant neighbourhood” with direct access from the main entrance of the hospital onto a new park, currently called Chapel Park.

A new landscaped wetland route, currently called Fille Brook Lane, has also been designed connecting Lea Bridge Road and James Lane for pedestrians and cyclists.

Designs are described by the trust as the “leading edge of environmental sustainability design” with hospital chiefs striving to deliver a net zero carbon building.

Alastair Finney, redevelopment director, said: “The prospect of a fantastic new hospital in five years’ time is hugely exciting for everyone. We really value people’s feedback which has informed the development of our designs in the last few months. We really hope people will take the time to have their say on our updated plans so that we can ensure our designs meet the needs and aspirations of patients, staff and the public for years to come.”

More information about the latest proposals, the previous phases of engagement and to complete the online survey can be found here: www.bartshealth.nhs.uk/future-whipps