Assessment of two new sites for new RBH - ahead of government announcement in January

More clarity on the future of a new hospital in Berkshire is due in the New Year.

The New Hospitals Programme is due to report then, on whether the RBH gets rebuilt at a different site.

Construction is currently scheduled for 2031 and assessments for sites near the M4 at the Thames Valley Park (TVP) and the Thames Valley Science Park (TVSP) are underway.

It says relocating to TVP or TVSP provides infrastructure upgrades and access to modern facilities. Any move will reduce clinical risks associated with the hospital infrastructure, though the full impact on health services will depend on the development and assessment of the clinical model.

Relocating to TVP or TVSP increases travel times for patients using public transport, walking, or cycling, with TVP performing better than TVSP.

While TVP sees 62 per cent of patients within a 60-minute public transport ride, TVSP only has 35 per cent, and both sites have fewer patients within walking or cycling distance compared to the current location.

So far the location-led Economic Impact Assessment shows TVSP offers the highest economic benefits at £819m, £57m more than TVP’s £762m, driven by a higher land value and cost savings.

Both sites generate £26m from construction jobs, with TVSP slightly ahead in environmental benefits - £55m vs £53m for TVP.

Meanwhile 9,642 residents have responded to the public survey - 24%, or 2,110, of which came from West Berkshire.

Residents in West Berkshire were positive of a move to both new sites due to their proximity to the M4/A329(M) with the emphasis on improvements required to bus services and having a suitable place to wait (e.g. a bus depot).

Thatcham representatives emphasised the need for choice with regards to transport and ensuring adequate car access, parking and public transport links.

There was also a point raised to bridge current and future need and consider developing a site that will reduce reliance on cars.

West Berkshire residents saw satellite hubs as a positive for ease of access and reduced parking costs compared to RBH. Some commented on making better use of satellite sites, with an example of moving diagnostics out of the main RBH site to reduce footfall. Concerns about access from villages was also raised.