Plans have been submitted to transform a five-storey building at Alderley Park, formerly used by AstraZeneca for drug research and development, into a private healthcare facility. The application, lodged by Alderley Park Ltd, seeks a change of use for Block 33 on the Mereside Campus.
Details of the Proposed Healthcare Facility
A planning statement from CV Planning, acting on behalf of the applicant, outlines that the proposed development requires a change of use to operate as a healthcare facility where members of the public can access elective treatments. While most procedures are expected to be day cases, occasional overnight stays may be required.
The facility will be privately operated but accessible to those paying for treatment or using medical insurance. It may also accommodate NHS patients when the wider NHS is at capacity and relevant trusts utilise the facility.
Services to Be Offered
The facility will focus on elective care, including:
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
- Out-patient clinics with consultation rooms
- Day procedures and minor surgery without overnight stays
- Specialist clinics, potentially including urgent cancer care
- Advanced diagnostics such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans
- Orthopaedic procedures, hip and knee replacements, and musculoskeletal treatment
Parking and Strategic Importance
The applicant proposes 180 dedicated parking spaces within the existing car park, reserved for patients, visitors, and staff. The planning report emphasises that securing healthcare use at the park will strengthen Alderley Park's strategic role in Cheshire and reinforce its national position in health, science, and innovation.
The report notes that Cheshire East has seen a 41% increase in the over-75 population between 2011 and 2023, with a significantly higher cohort aged 65-plus compared to the national average. It states: "There is an evident need to provide additional healthcare provision including within the private market which this facility will deliver, thereby helping to meet the evidenced needs of a rapidly ageing local population."
How to View and Comment
The application, reference number 26/1891/FUL, can be viewed on the planning portal on Cheshire East Council's website. The last date for submitting comments is June 24, 2026.
