As work began on Norfolk's new hospital - just days after the project was approved - managers have outlined the road map up to 2030, when it is expected to open.
Contractors have started demolishing the Inspire Centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn to make way for a new multi-storey car park.
That in turn will free-up what is currently the hospital's main car park for the new build.
Funding to replace the crumbling QEH, whose roof is held up by more than 4,000 supports, was confirmed by health secretary Steve Barclay 10 days ago.
Its director of estates Paul Brooks said the new hospital - last costed at £862m - would take the remainder of the decade to bring about.
READ MORE: Crumbling hospital still in use more than 10 years over expected lifespan
Work on the car park will begin in September. It will be built in two phases and completed by September 2025.
A detailed business case for the new hospital is also due to be submitted in 2025.
If it is approved and the hospital passes through the planning process by then work could begin in October 2025.
Mr Brooks said while block plans had been drawn up, the final design would be arrived at after consultations with staff.
"We've got to start thinking now about what we're going to need in the NHS in 2030," he said.
As well as demand and capacity modelling, to assess how population growth might impact on the number of beds needed, advances in medicine will also be taken into account.
"There could be a drug being developed that means we won't need a certain department in there," said Mr Brooks. "You never know, there have been so many technical advances."
Mr Brooks said the public would also be consulted, adding: "This is their building, they're the people we serve."
Chief executive Alice Walker and senior staff donned hard hats to watch as the mechanical digger began tearing down the Inspire Centre.
"We're very pleased, it's long-awaited," she said. "It's the first part of our new hospital."
Road map to replacement
June 2023 - Inspire Centre demolition begins
September 2023 - Work on multi-storey car park begins
September 2025 - Multi-storey car park complete
October 2025 - Work begins on new hospital
2029/30 - Work completed on new hospital
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