King's Lynn: QEH rebuild car park plan get approval

West Norfolk Council (WNC) has approved an application for a new multi-storey car park on the site of what is currently the Queen Elizabeth Hospital's Inspire Centre. 

The 1,400-space car park would free up space for a new hospital to be built on its current parking site, in the event of the government approving a rebuild bid. 

Some of the thousands of props holding up the roof at the QEH (Image: Chris Bishop) (Image: Chris Bishop)

Construction of the car park is expected to come in two phases. One is planned regardless of any new hospital approval and a second stage only happening if the redevelopment is secured. 

The site opened in the early 1980s, from prefabricated planks with an expected working life of 30 years. 

The planks are now beginning to fail, requiring the roof to be held up by around 3,478 steel and timber structural supports. 

Alice Webster

Speaking WNC’s planning committee, Alice Webster, the QEH chief executive, said: "The application before you is for a multi-storey car park and it is the first step of our estate plan and is a critical part of us being investment ready.

"A crumbling, out-of-date estate is a significant issue for our patients, those who use our services, and our staff.

"We continue to develop a case for our community to receive the news it so rightfully deserves – a new hospital.” 

Phase one of the new car park (Image: QEH)

Independent councillor Terry Parish said he would be voting in favour.

He added: “It’s needed, it’s necessary and if it's not provided you will not get any further with the new hospital.”  

While Labour councillor Christine Hudson voted in favour of the plan, she objected to the appearance.

She branded the plans a “monstrosity” and a “nasty thing to live with” but accepted the need for a car park. 

The plan was approved 16 for and one abstention.