Work set to begin on Newark Hospital carpark expansion in July

Work to create 80 extra car parking spaces at a hospital is expected to start this summer.

Plans were recently approved for the development, next to Newark Hospital, and work is expected to start in July.

A partnership between Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Newark and Sherwood District Council saw the council purchase a 1.2 hectare plot of land on Bowbridge Road.

The council’s planning committee approved a planning application on April 20 to convert part of the land into 80 parking spaces — including 59 standard spaces, five accessible bays and 16 electric vehicle charging points.

It is expected that the new spaces will be used by staff, freeing up the main car park for patients and visitors.

David Ainsworth, director of strategy and partnerships at Sherwood Forest Hospitals and who oversees the trust’s running of Newark Hospital, said: “This is great news — these extra spaces have been long awaited by patients, visitors and staff. The additional spaces are integral to the work that is underway to maximise the potential of Newark Hospital, including the multi-million pound project to expand our operating theatres.

“We are really keen for as many residents as possible to benefit from the wide range of procedures and services provided at Newark Hospital, so don’t forget to ask for Newark at the point of referral with your GP or when speaking to your hospital team.”

Lisa Hughes, business manager for planning development at Newark and Sherwood District Council added: “I know how important Newark Hospital is to everyone, providing essential services and surgeries alongside its Urgent Treatment Centre provision. The additional car parking spaces will allow more residents to access the site and future proof it for years to come.”