Alternative Hospital Sites Raised as Debate Over Frimley Relocation Continues

Debate over the future of Frimley Park Hospital and its potential relocation continues to intensify, with renewed calls for alternative sites to be properly considered as part of the decision-making process.

In a recently published letter to the local press, Aldershot resident Roger Watkins argued that the current focus on sites near Frimley carries significant drawbacks, particularly in relation to access, congestion, and infrastructure constraints. He questioned whether all viable options across the hospital’s full catchment area have been adequately assessed.

Concerns over existing and proposed sites

Mr Watkins highlighted long-standing access issues at the current Frimley Park Hospital site, noting that congestion and limited connectivity have worsened over time. He also dismissed other locations previously suggested or discussed, including land near the former Johnsons Wax site, Pirbright and Chobham Common, and areas around Rushmoor Arena and Long Valley, citing inadequate infrastructure, environmental constraints, or unsuitable ground conditions.

According to the letter, many of these sites would require substantial new investment in roads, utilities, and transport links to be viable, raising questions about cost, deliverability, and long-term impact.

Call to consider centrally connected alternatives

Instead, Mr Watkins pointed to land close to M3 Junction 4A as a potential alternative worthy of serious consideration. He argued that such a location would benefit from existing motorway access, established transport infrastructure, and sufficient space to accommodate not only a new hospital but also future expansion.

He suggested that a well-connected site could address many of the challenges identified in the current proposals, including staff parking, patient access, emergency vehicle routing, and the separation of different hospital functions to improve safety and efficiency.

Future-proofing healthcare infrastructure

The letter also emphasised the need to plan beyond immediate requirements. Any new hospital, Mr Watkins argued, should be designed with sufficient land to allow long-term expansion and adaptation, ensuring it can serve future generations rather than being constrained from the outset.

He further noted opportunities for improved environmental performance in a new build, including large roof areas suitable for energy-efficient design, and a location that would minimise air quality impacts from surrounding traffic.

Wider implications for site selection

While the views expressed represent one contributor’s perspective, they reflect a broader and growing public discussion about how hospital sites are selected, how infrastructure costs are assessed, and whether all reasonable alternatives are being transparently evaluated.

As scrutiny of the Frimley Park Hospital relocation proposals continues, campaigners and residents alike are calling for greater clarity around site assessment criteria, infrastructure readiness, and long-term sustainability — particularly where proposals intersect with protected green spaces and established communities.