Half of Macclesfield Hospital's blue zone (the west-park area of the site) has been put up for sale in order to help wipe debts of around 5 million pounds. The sale of the site will contribute to erasing the remainder of what was originally a 7 million pound loan that was taken out in 2006.
The trust and Macclesfield Borough Council wish to see housing built on the site, where a number of older buildings that are no longer fit for purpose still stand. Many of these buildings will be demolished, however some will remain intact, namely the clock tower building as it is listed. To prepare for the sale many staff members - including those involved in paediatrics - have been re-located.
Bids can be placed until the 4th April, and the intention is that the winning bidder will be announced at the next Trust board meeting, which falls on the 24th April.
Trust documents that were released last autumn reveal that 25% of the homes built should be affordable housing, but it would be "acceptable" to convert to clock tower building into a hotel.
