Publish date: 25 September 2025
Application to be submitted to retain part of Berwick Hospital's bell tower building
The planning process to retain part of Berwick Infirmary’s bell tower building is to begin.
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has been engaging with a wide range of groups and individuals about the future of the bell tower, as it appreciates that it holds a strong emotional connection for some.
A key consideration for Northumbria Healthcare must be affordability as the custodians of NHS money. Investing in patient services will always be its top priority for spending.
Other key considerations include making sure the use of the bell tower is appropriate for the space and location, and longevity and sustainability of use, with this section of the old building being at the main entrance to the new modern hospital.
Damon Kent, managing director of Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management, said: “We know what an emotive issue this is and that opinion is split in the town around whether the bell tower should be retained or not. This is understandable, as the tower has been a prominent feature on the Berwick skyline since 1874 and although it is not statutorily listed, we know it holds a strong emotional attachment for some.
“We would like to reassure everyone that we have been thorough in our consideration of the use of the bell tower building. As part of this we commissioned various reports to consider different factors including feasibility, cost and safety.
“The new hospital has been long awaited by many, and the site’s function must primarily focus on the delivery of healthcare and accessibility to healthcare. Any use of the bell tower cannot impact on this or restrain this in any way.”
Reports commissioned by Northumbria Healthcare demonstrate that the bell tower section of the hospital building has limited use in terms of functional space and importantly, limited accessibility to the top floor. The reports also detail that the cost of making sure the building is structurally sound, keeping the building in good repair and adapting it for any other use would be very expensive. It is not appropriate that NHS funds are used to do this.
The reports also conclude that it is unlikely that a commercial developer would consider the reuse of the building due to many constraints, and in particular the challenges involved in finding a functional commercial use within a busy operational hospital site.
Damon Kent continued: “To date, we have not received an official proposal for the use of the bell tower building that we believe is tangible, durable and that can be sustainably funded for a long period of time.
“After a significant amount of engagement and consideration, we have made the decision to apply to retain the central tower element of the bell tower building. This means the tower could remain as a landmark on the new hospital site and as part of the Berwick skyline – as it has been for many years.
“We believe that this is positive as from what we have heard in various discussions and forums, it is the tower that people would most like to retain on site and as part of the town’s skyline. This is also reflected in the planning evidence base and conservation area documentation.”
The Trust plans to replace the buildings that are attached to bell tower itself with landscaped gardens that can be used by patients and the local community, whilst creating an attractive arrival space to the new hospital, as well as much-needed car parking for patients and visitors.
The Trust will begin work on the planning application process within the next week or so.
For further information contact cara.