NHS Lanarkshire has officially completed the purchase of the Airdrie farmland site which will become the site of the new Monklands Hospital
Health board officials announced today that the organisation is now the owner of the 161.5 acres at Wester Moffat where the proposed hospital – currently in the planning and design stages – is to be built.
They describe the landmark moment as “an important step in the project to provide a replacement University Hospital Monklands”, in place of the four-decade-old existing building at Monkscourt Avenue.
Chief executive Heather Knox said: “We’re delighted by the successful conclusion of the purchase of Wester Moffat Farm to provide a home for the new University Hospital Monklands.
“It is being designed to offer the best possible healthcare to local communities for decades to come; and confirmation of the land purchase is very welcome news as we continue to develop the project’s business case.
“Through the acquisition of the site, the Scottish Government has once again underlined its strong commitment to the Monklands replacement project and the benefits an ultra-modern replacement hospital will bring.”
Public consultation is currently taking place on the Wester Moffat proposals, including two interactive online events next week, ahead of the submission of the official planning application to North Lanarkshire Council later in the year.
The farmland site, located east of Drumgelloch and north of Petersburn, first emerged as an option in January 2020 following a re-run of the original search for a suitable site; and it will be accessed via the planned new East Airdrie link road running between Chapelhall and Riggend.
Health secretary Humza Yousaf added: “I am very pleased the acquisition of the Wester Moffat site has been successfully concluded – this is a significant milestone and demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitment to support the replacement of University Hospital Monklands.”
The news was warmly welcomed by Neil Gray MSP, who campaigned for the new hospital to remain in Airdrie rather than at originally-identified Gartcosh.
Airdrie & Shotts representative Mr Gray said of the site purchase: “This is a huge step forward in the journey to seeing the replacement Monklands
"Hospital come to fruition; the process of building anything is never a done deal until construction is started, but I am delighted that the land earmarked for this is now secured.
“The town is going to see some significant changes over the next few years along with the building of the link road – and I look forward to seeing both these projects completed and the lives of the folk of Airdrie & Shotts enhanced by better health care and transport links.”
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