Around 100 residents attended a public consultation event at Accrington Library to discuss the future of the former Accrington Victoria Community Hospital site.
The session, organised by MP Sarah Smith, was the first of a wider programme of consultation and engagement to help local people shape the project as it develops.
The Calico Group, which has been asked to help lead the regeneration of the site, was represented at the event alongside Ring Stones, its in‑house construction partner, and Participation Works, who are supporting the engagement process. Representatives were on hand to listen to feedback and answer questions directly. Attendees were also invited to leave their details if they would like to stay involved and help shape how the scheme develops over time.
A key next step for Calico will be identifying residents who are keen to be involved in helping choose the architects for the project, ensuring community voices help influence the design approach from an early stage.
During the session, a series of boards were on display showing early ideas for what a new development on the site could look like, alongside examples of how Calico is exploring ways to preserve and carry forward heritage features of the original hospital. The boards were shared to start conversations rather than present fixed plans, helping people comment on the look, feel and character they would like the development to have as designs evolve.
For the first part of the evening, people took the time to listen and absorb the context being shared before moving into discussion, which helped set the tone for thoughtful and informed questions later on.
Initial feedback from the evening was positive. People welcomed the chance to see early ideas and talk them through, and raised considerate questions about how the project will be overseen, how decisions will be made, and how community views will continue to shape plans.
Residents also raised common themes including traffic, parking and access, construction impacts on surrounding streets and schools, sustainability, build quality, and what “Extra Care” would mean in practice. Ideas such as a memorial garden or seating area were also suggested.
There was open discussion about the condition of the former hospital building, including structural issues, vandalism and asbestos, alongside a commitment to respect the site’s history by salvaging and reusing original features where it is safe and possible to do so.
Sarah Smith, MP for Hyndburn, said:
“For too long, people have felt that things have been done to them, not with them. Too often, communities have not had the chance to shape major developments in their area, and this is our opportunity to do things differently. Whatever happens next at the Accrington Victoria site has to be shaped by local people and their ideas.
“It was a really positive session with around 100 people coming together to share their views on the future of the site. People are hopeful and ambitious about what can be achieved here, but there is also understandable scepticism because too many promises have not been delivered in the past. We now have a real opportunity to show that we can deliver for this community.
“There were some really strong ideas and common themes coming through, particularly around sustainability, parking and making sure the site works for local people long term. This was part of an ongoing engagement process, and it is important that local residents continue to help shape what comes next.”
Anthony Duerden, Chief Executive of the Calico Group, added:
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to come along and share their views. What really stood out was how constructive and considered the conversations were, and how much difference it makes when we take the time to sit down and talk things through properly.
“It was clear as the evening went on that people felt more reassured once they’d had the chance to see the early ideas, ask questions, and understand what is and isn’t decided yet. We had positive feedback about the look and feel of the initial concepts, alongside some very clear priorities for us to take away, particularly around parking, traffic and explaining more clearly who future homes would be for.
“Several people shared their experience of Dovestone Gardens, and it was really encouraging to hear such positive feedback. We’re committed to taking the same open, collaborative approach here, working with the Hyndburn community to shape something that genuinely meets local needs.”
The first phase of work focuses on safely and carefully dismantling the existing building, which can no longer be repaired, while preserving heritage features wherever possible so they can be carried forward into future designs. Hoardings and site management measures will be put in place to protect public safety and the surrounding area during this work.
Looking ahead, the long‑term vision for the site is being shaped by what local people have already said they want to see. This includes aspirations for health and wellbeing uses, community or flexible spaces, and homes designed to support people to live independently.
This includes Extra Care accommodation, which provides self‑contained homes with a person’s own front door, designed for people who need a little extra support to live independently, with care and support available on site if and when it is needed.
It was made clear at the event that it is still too early to apply for any homes, and that clear information about eligibility, referral routes and timescales will be shared as soon as these are confirmed.
Further engagement opportunities will follow, and residents who have registered an interest will be kept informed as plans progress. Calico will publish updates and FAQs on their website as the work continues.
