Planning permission has been granted by Liverpool City Council for a major project to create a nature-rich public garden on the former Royal Liverpool University Hospital site, marking a significant step forward for patient and community wellbeing in the city.
The scheme represents the first project to emerge from an exclusive collaboration between BAM UK and Ireland and the Eden Project, aimed at restoring nature within the built environment.
Plans for the site include a new public green space featuring native planting, trees and wildlife-friendly habitats, alongside walking and cycling routes. Designed with a strong biophilic approach, the landscape will prioritise native species to encourage pollinators and support long-term ecological resilience, while also creating a calm environment intended to aid recovery and provide a peaceful setting for patients, staff and the wider community.
BAM UK and Ireland has worked in close partnership with NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool and the Eden Project to develop a scheme that embeds nature-positive principles into a modern healthcare setting.
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 is intended to act as a model for future healthcare environments by placing nature at the heart of recovery. Through a biodiverse and accessible design, it aims to support both emotional and physical wellbeing for those using the hospital on a daily basis.
Beyond its ecological value, the scheme will also open up opportunities for community engagement, education and volunteering, with the Eden Project helping to shape programmes that connect local people with the role of nature in health.
Construction will begin following final preparatory works, with delivery partners committing to ongoing collaboration with local stakeholders, including residents and community groups, to ensure the space meets long-term needs. The nature garden is expected to set a new benchmark for integrating natural environments into major public infrastructure, demonstrating how thoughtful design can create lasting benefits for future generations.
