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Here is a timeline of the key moments in Berwick Infirmary's life and the new hospital development plan.
John Starforth's original drawing
John Starforth's new Infirmary is opened, paid for by donations contributed by Berwick's rich and poor. An Infirmary report of the time said: "It is fully hoped it will not only meet all the requirements of such an Institution, but will add to the architectural beauties of the town." Read more about the building's history.
Berwick Town Council announces that Northumbria Healthcare are giving people in Berwick the opportunity to see updated plans for the new £25 million hospital.
Councillor Hazel Bettison launches a petition which attracted over 400 signatures, and many comments from people outraged that the landmark was under consideration for demolition. Chronicle Live reports:
"Pleas to save Victorian bell tower from being demolished at Northumberland hospital. Former Mayor of Berwick councillor Hazel Bettison has set up a petition to save a bell tower at Berwick Infirmary. Campaigners have launched a rallying cry in a bid to save a Victorian bell tower from demolition. So far pleas to save the tower at Berwick Infirmary have been ignored and now hundreds of campaigners have signed a petition urging the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to save it. The bell tower at Berwick Infirmary has been deemed surplus to requirements as NHS chiefs plan to build a new £25m hospital on the site. But former Mayor of Berwick councillor Hazel Bettison believes the landmark should be retained as it is an important part of the town’s heritage."
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust announces their intention to use the Berwick Infirmary site for the new hospital instead of proposed sites in Tweedmouth or Seton Hall.
The new hospital model including Infirmary front
The planning application goes in for the new hospital (Northumberland Gazette). The documents on the planning portal, 20/01882/FULES show plans to retain the whole front of the Infirmary.
The architect commented: "Through engagement with the local Civic Society and Conservation Officer we have also been able to identify important and beloved aspects of the site, ensuring the retention of the existing 19th century bell tower (from the original ‘H’ plan hospital) which will be refurbished and offered back to Berwick for community use."
Excerpts from the application:
"The site itself is not listed however, the 'Bell Tower' is considered as a landmark building and non-designated heritage asset. The Bell Tower with the adjacent wings is being retained as part of the redevelopment of the site and will provide a gateway to the new hospital."
"The original Infirmary buildings were constructed in 1874 and occupy the southwestern corner of a now more extensive site. It was designed by Edinburgh architect John Starforth and arranged in pavilion plan form with two modest wings connected via a central corridor. The building is of sandstone construction with a mixture of hipped and gabled blue welsh slate roofs. The building includes the Italianate bell tower, a recognised local landmark, that contributes to character and appearance of the townscape while its ongoing use adds to the historical context and understanding of this area."
"Retained historic frontage - The original 19th-century frontage of the Infirmary will be retained, including the landmark bell tower, as the historic gateway to the site."
"A number of measures have been integrated into the final design of the scheme to minimise adverse heritage effects, these are included as embedded mitigation identified in Chapter C and have been taken into account in assessing potential effects. These are as follows: 1. Retention of the historic frontage to the Infirmary, including the landmark bell tower..."
"The loss of the rear wing of the original Infirmary building will diminish the significance of this non-designated heritage asset to some extent. However, the principal elements of the building (namely the frontage and landmark bell tower) will be retained and reinstated as a standalone element, freed from the extensive infill and extensions that currently obscure its historic form and layout."
"The partial demolition of the Infirmary is outweighed by the retention, enhancement and incorporation of the bell tower within the scheme. It will be reinstated as a standalone building within an attractive new setting, preserving its contribution to the historic townscape and elevating its landmark status. The proposal will also support its long-term use and conservation."
"The current submission incorporates the lessons learned from previous iterations of the design and addresses concerns raised by residents about the protection of Berwick’s character and heritage. In particular this has led to the retention of the original infirmary bell tower and the development of a sympathetic scheme detailed to enhance the existing hospital site."
"The decision was made to address the bell tower directly as a prominent feature in the scheme, maintaining it with the adjacent wings to provide a gateway to the new hospital and connect the new proposal directly with the site’s historical usage as an infirmary. Although the location of the new hospital does not allow it to become an integral part of the new building a community use is being sought by the Trust to ensure its continued usage for years to come."
"The building stock is in poor repair, with the exception of the existing Bell Tower... Despite the lack of character to the subsequent extensions, the original infirmary, with its three storey bell tower is still very important to the locals and represents a historical connection to the infirmary site. As part of the delivery of the scheme it is proposed to maintain the original bell tower and adjacent wings to act as an attractive gateway and a unite the scheme with the original infirmary."
The BBC reports on medieval artefacts unearthed by the archaeological excavations at the hospital site, including walls, pottery and fishbones dating back 900 years.
The Preservation Trust holds meetings with the NHS Trust and gathers some interest in the commercial use of the Infirmary front. However, this stalls as the NHS Trust cannot be specific about which of its buildings (such as Well's Close) it needs for itself and which will be available for rent, making it impossible for potential tenants to make any decisions.
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust announces its intention to retain only the bare bell tower, not the main block and two wings they had promised to refurbish in their 2020 application. The Northumberland Gazette reports: application to retain part of Berwick Infirmary's bell tower building is to be submitted.
They cite the cost, despite the fact that a standalone tower would now have no function to help pay for its upkeep and it would cost extra to rebuild the base of the tower. This application, and the costs surrounding it, would also be unnecessary if they simply went ahead with their original plan.
The Trust claims to have consulted extensively: the reality is a secretive process with very little feedback to the town and no open consultation.
Berwick Heritage launches a petition to hold the Trust to their original promise of retaining the Infirmary front.
Berwick Heritage suggests that the Infirmary front could be made into a winter garden or orangery, with plants, benches, sculptures and possibly archaeological exhibits from the site.
Berwick Heritage responds to Northumbria Healthcare's announcement.
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