The new multi-storey car park at Calderdale Royal Hospital has officially progressed to the construction stage following a groundbreaking ceremony on site today, Monday, 11th August.

Construction is expected to last 12 months and will give an extra 400 extra parking spaces. Once completed there will be more than 800 parking spaces in total at Calderdale Royal Hospital, which includes the other car parks on site. Included in the plans are electric car charging points, extra blue badge spaces, cycle parking facilities and 24/7 CCTV.

As a commitment to honouring the important heritage of the town, the design of the car park compliments notable buildings which distinctly link to Halifax’s rich history and includes a specially designed façade in keeping with the local area.

Ahead of construction, work has taken place to make sure the landscaping around the car park has a positive impact on the local environment. Biodiversity has been promoted in the design, including a significant increase in hedgerows and habitats for wildlife to thrive.

Brendan Brown, Chief Executive, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is an exciting milestone to be able to see building work on the next stage of the car park. We know it will make a huge difference to our patients, visitors and colleagues at Calderdale Royal Hospital.

“I would like to say thank you to everyone for their support and understanding as we have been preparing the site for construction. The extensive enabling work which has been happening over the past 12 months included removing live services, and providing electricity for the new car park, preparation work which people may not have been able to see happening as it’s largely below ground.

“We will be sharing lots of updates as construction progresses.”

The new multi-storey car park is part of the Foundations for our Future programme, which is our long-term vision to transform our services in Calderdale and Huddersfield.