The new hospital to replace Berwick's Victorian-era infirmary remains unfinished nearly six years after planning permission was granted in 2020. Originally due to open in 2022 at an estimated cost of £25 million, the latest estimates put completion in 2027, with costs now projected at £35 million—a figure dating back to 2023.
Delays and archaeological finds
Initial delays stemmed from a complex archaeological dig on the site, conducted in partnership with Northern Archaeological Associates. Significant finds included items dating back to 1100AD—older than the town's historic walls—along with walls, pottery, fish bones, and what is thought to be stone yards associated with Low Greens. There were also complexities around relocating existing hospital services to keep the site fully operational during construction.
Work finally began in February 2023, with the NHS appointing Merit Health as contractor. The Cramlington-based firm used a modern modular construction method, building much of the hospital off-site. Foundation work started in June 2023, was completed in October, and work on the steel frame began soon after.
Contractor collapse and replacement
In late 2023, healthcare bosses estimated completion by mid-2025. However, in October of that year—with the completion date already passed—Merit filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator. Northumbria Healthcare described this as a "very unfortunate situation" but said work had "progressed well" and that there were "robust plans" in place to ensure construction continued.
The following month, Merit was placed into administration. The trust appointed Opus Building Services Limited as interim contractor and began the process to find a permanent replacement. At the time, Damon Kent, managing director of Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management, said it was "very difficult" to give an updated timeline for completion.
Current status and next steps
Robertson Construction North East were confirmed as Merit's permanent replacements in January of this year. The company, which has "significant experience" in the healthcare sector, began with survey work to enable the development of a construction programme. There was initial hope the programme would be ready to share in June.
However, an open letter to stakeholders from Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust this week said workers were "still working through exactly what needs to be done to progress the project." The trust admits this is "not ideal." Some work is expected before Christmas, but the "bulk of the project" is not expected to start until next year.
