Planning approval granted for new nature park at Royal Liverpool Hospital

A major milestone has been reached in the future of patient and community wellbeing in Liverpool, as planning permission has been granted by Liverpool City Council for a landmark project that will create a nature-rich public garden on the former Royal Liverpool University Hospital site.

The scheme is the first project to be delivered through an exclusive collaboration between BAM UK and Ireland and the Eden Project, which aims to restore nature in the built environment.

The approved plans include a new public green space, with native planting, trees and wildlife-friendly features, as well as walking and cycling routes. The new green space has been designed to enhance healing and provide a quiet space for relaxation for patients, staff and the wider community. The biophilic landscaping design predominantly uses native species, which encourage pollinators and support long-term ecological viability.

BAM UK and Ireland has worked closely with the NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool and the Eden Project to shape a scheme that demonstrates how nature positive principles can be embedded in future focused healthcare settings.

Mark Gibson, Northern Region Director at BAM UK and Ireland, said: “Our collaboration with the Eden Project and our partnership with NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool allows us to create something truly special for the city. This project shows how natural landscapes can play a central role in improving health and wellbeing. Receiving planning approval marks an important step and we look forward to bringing this vision to life.”

James Sumner, Chief Executive of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, said: “We are pleased to be part of this fantastic partnership between BAM, the Eden Project, and the New Hospital Programme. This green space will be a valuable addition to the ongoing development of our hospital site and will be a huge benefit to our patients, visitors, staff, and the local environment.”

Dan James, Commercial Director of Eden Project, said: “We’re delighted to see this project receive planning approval. We look forward to working with BAM and the NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool to demonstrate how nature can play a central role in supporting health and wellbeing, creating spaces that are restorative, inclusive, and rich in biodiversity.”

The project will become a model for healthcare environments to embrace nature as a core component of recovery. By delivering a biodiverse setting with thoughtful design and accessible space, the scheme aims to support the emotional and physical wellbeing of the people who use the hospital every day.

In addition to ecological benefits, the project will also create opportunities for community involvement, education and volunteering. The Eden Project’s expertise in environmental engagement will help shape programming that invites the local community to understand the role of nature in health.

Construction will begin following final preparatory work, with the delivery partners committed to working closely with local stakeholders throughout the process. This includes clear communication with nearby residents, collaboration with community groups and ongoing oversight to ensure that the space meets the long-term needs of the people it serves.

The Royal Liverpool Hospital nature garden is expected to set a new benchmark for the integration of natural environments in major public infrastructure, demonstrating how thoughtful design can create places that are both beautiful and beneficial for generations to come.