Work has begun on the redevelopment of the main entrance at Royal Bolton Hospital, with the new facilities expected to open in autumn 2027.
The project will create an updated arrival area for patients, visitors and staff, including improved public toilets, expanded seating and waiting areas, new patient drop-off facilities and a new location for the hospital’s Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service.
Five retail and refreshment outlets will also be introduced: Costa Coffee, M&S Food, WHSmith, Greggs and StockShop.
The redevelopment is being delivered by Bolton NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with property development company Noviniti and retailer WHSmith, with iFM Bolton managing the project.
The development is being funded by the partners and will not affect the Ttrust’s budget or financial position.
The redevelopment follows plans submitted by the Ttrust and iFM Bolton earlier this year to improve the entrance, reception area, accessibility and wayfinding.
iFM Bolton is managing the construction and development of the redesigned hospital entrance and is also building a new Integrated Transfer of Care Hub.
“Our main entrance is the front door to many of our services, welcoming thousands of patients, visitors and staff every week, and these improvements will transform the experience for everyone who uses it,” said Fiona Noden, Chief Executive of Bolton NHS Foundation Trust.
Hospital access to be maintained during construction
Hospital services will remain accessible throughout the construction period, with the temporary main entrance located at Trust Headquarters, a short distance further along the road.
The Trust said it would provide signage to guide patients and visitors around the site and work with its partners to minimise disruption.
The hospital pharmacy will remain accessible from the main hospital corridor, while the existing Fontanella coffee shop will continue operating during the works.
Jonathan Houlston, Chief Executive of Noviniti, said the development would provide improved retail facilities and a more accessible route into the hospital.
Justyn Ashford, Director of Franchise at WHSmith, said the new outlets would offer patients, visitors and staff a wider choice of food, drink and everyday essentials.
Entrance works form part of wider hospital improvements
The entrance redevelopment is taking place alongside other construction and refurbishment projects at Royal Bolton Hospital.
These include the £38m redevelopment of the Maternity and Women’s Health Unit to remove and replace reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the building.
In May 2025, Robertson Construction North West started work to remove and replace reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete at Royal Bolton Hospital’s Maternity and Women’s Health Unit.
The project also includes theatre refurbishments, new mechanical ventilation systems and rooftop plant installation, with maternity services continuing during construction.
The hospital has also undergone a £1.74m Emergency Department upgrade, which included a reconfigured department and Urgent Treatment Centre, a dedicated ambulance handover area and an additional rapid handover bay.
