New data for 2025/26 reveals that Imperial College Healthcare's hospitals have the NHS' largest backlog maintenance liability, the estimated cost to bring buildings to an acceptable condition. The Trust's backlog has increased by 42 per cent in five years, from £697 million in 2020/21, significantly outpacing the funds available for maintenance.
All of the Trust's hospitals are included in the Government's New Hospital Programme, but funding for building works is not expected until 2035 at the earliest. St Mary's Hospital is identified as the site with the most urgent need for redevelopment. A third round of public consultation is currently underway for plans for a new St Mary's and an expanded life sciences campus, with the Trust collaborating on a taskforce to secure alternative funding to expedite delivery.
Professor Julian Redhead, chief executive of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, stated, "We have some of the oldest buildings in the NHS, with parts dating back to 1845. Despite spending millions of pounds on maintenance each year, there is a growing disconnect between our facilities and the high quality, research-led care we offer in them."
“"We currently have a five-year, £600 million estates programme underway to reduce our key estate risks and respond to our biggest needs, while working to accelerate the full redevelopment and refurbishment of our hospitals that is the only sustainable solution."
This five-year estates programme, funded by national, Trust, and charitable sources, includes approximately £80 million for priority maintenance, £128 million for new equipment and technology, £215 million for major improvement schemes at each of the four sites, and the £20 million purchase of a new building adjacent to the St Mary's campus. This new building will house virtual care services and administration, freeing up core hospital areas for direct clinical care.
Longer-term redevelopment plans see all three main hospitals included in the Government's New Hospital Programme. This involves a complete redevelopment of the St Mary's campus and full refurbishments and new builds for Charing Cross and Hammersmith hospitals, with the Western Eye Hospital to be integrated into these schemes. However, these projects are in the final wave, with delivery anticipated in the mid-2040s. The Trust is actively exploring ways to accelerate the St Mary's redevelopment and phased approaches for other sites, with a planning application for the new St Mary's and life sciences campus targeted for spring 2027.
