The project to create Lanarkshire’s new hospital has reached its most important milestone yet.

The board of NHS Lanarkshire have approved the full business case for the new University Hospital Monklands in Airdrie.

Board members agreed the Monklands Replacement Project (MRP) business case should now be submitted to the Scottish Government for consideration and final approval.

Scottish Government approval will allow hospital construction to begin next year at Wester Moffat in Airdrie, with a targeted opening in 2031.

Martin Hill, chair of the board of NHS Lanarkshire, said: “This is the most important decision by the board in recent memory and marks a significant milestone for the people of Lanarkshire.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved, including the board members for their diligent consideration of such a comprehensive and complex business case. We were impressed by the highly detailed document, which gave us assurance that all aspects of the hospital plans and designs have been thoroughly assessed and that there has been wide engagement with the public and with our staff as development of the design has taken shape.”

Louise Long, chief executive of NHS Lanarkshire, added: “I’m delighted that we have reached this landmark stage in the approval process for our magnificent new hospital, which will serve all the communities of Lanarkshire.

“The hospital plans are trailblazing in their ambitions to use digital technology to benefit patients, visitors and staff. They’re also designed to achieve our sustainability goals through being net zero carbon for both construction and operation.”

Those marking the milestone moment were - in image, from left: Martin Hill, chair of the board of NHS Lanarkshire; Laing O’Rourke project manager Gerry Vallianatos; Donald Reid, NHS Lanarkshire board non-executive member; Laing O’Rourke project director Steve Holland; Colin Lauder, NHS Lanarkshire executive director for Monklands Replacement; Graeme Reid, project director, Monklands Replacement Project; Louise Long, chief executive of NHS Lanarkshire; Laing O’Rourke project leader Ben Townsley; Laing O’Rourke pre-construction director Rory Pollock.