Rebirth of a Landmark: New Hospital Nears Completion as Historic Site Finds New Future New Stamford and Rutland Hospital Building

Rebirth of a Landmark: New Hospital Nears Completion as Historic Site Finds New Future

Stamford is on the cusp of a significant transformation, with the New Stamford and Rutland Hospital awaiting its official opening, while the adjacent historic grounds of the original infirmary are set for a sensitive redevelopment. The much-anticipated completion date for the new hospital has been pushed back slightly, from an original target of Spring to late summer 2025.

The construction of the New Stamford and Rutland Hospital building signals a renewed commitment to healthcare in the region. North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, which manages the hospital, is currently focused on maximising resources for patient care, a strategy that informed the decision to sell an unused portion of the existing hospital site.

Dr. Callum Gardner, Trust Chief Medical Officer, emphasised the financial prudence of the move: “The maintenance cost of this unused area of the hospital site is high and it therefore makes complete sense to sell it, in order to allow us to reinvest our resources in the main Stamford & Rutland Hospital site.”

The funds generated from the September 2024 land sale will be directly channeled into patient care, new medical equipment, and further improvements to the hospital estate, ensuring the Stamford & Rutland Hospital continues to play a vital role in the Trust’s clinical strategy.

The original Stamford and Rutland Infirmary, a building steeped in history, is now closed and fenced off. Built on land previously occupied by Greyfriars monastery and donated by the Marquess of Exeter, the infirmary was funded by a bequest from surgeon Henry Fryer, designed by John Peter Gandy, and first opened its doors in 1828.

The site’s historical significance is profound, including the surviving 14th-century gatehouse to the medieval Greyfriars friary. Adding to the rich local history, Joan of Kent, mother of King Richard II, known as the 'Fair Maid of Kent', is said to be buried across the road at the site of the former Church of the Greyfriars. Interestingly, the gatehouse sign is rumored to incorrectly label the structure as 'Whitefriars'.

Recognising its heritage, the Trust identified a section of land and buildings at the west end of the site as surplus to current and future clinical needs and no longer economically viable. This brownfield site, which had fallen into disrepair, was acquired by local Distinctive Developments Group Ltd, a family business and award-winning property developer.

Distinctive Developments Group Ltd has ambitious plans to revitalise the site and restore the Grade II Listed infirmary building. The developer's focus is on creating a small, custom-designed residential development that will leverage local suppliers and materials and "respect the heritage setting of the site."

Richard Evans, Director of Distinctive Developments Group Ltd, articulated the vision: “It presents a unique opportunity to achieve the beneficial re-use of a vacant Listed building and to deliver high-quality, sustainable development on a brownfield site, reducing the need to build on greenfield sites around the town.”