Call for your memories of Hardwick Manor in Bury St Edmunds issued ahead of hospital move

Members of the public are being asked to share their memories of a historic building ahead of the site being transformed into a new hospital.

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT) is preparing to move onto the site of Hardwick Manor, in Hardwick Lane, Bury St Edmunds, after plans were given the go-ahead in November 2022.

The manor’s site has a rich history and Jacqui Grimwood, the trust’s estates lead for the Future System team, is hoping for people to get in touch to share their stories.

She said: “We believe that Hardwick Manor has a rich and diverse history which we would like to mark in some way in the new hospital.

“With the 50th anniversary of the current hospital approaching, we wanted to take this unique opportunity to delve into the history of the future home of West Suffolk Hospital.

“We are very keen to hear from anyone who has memories that they are willing to share to help us tell the story of the hospital in its new home.”

To share your stories, photos and memories with the hospital trust, you can send an email to futuresystemprogramme@wsh.nhs.uk or write to Future System Team, West Suffolk Hospital, Quince House, 2nd floor, FREEPOST ANG20554, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 2BR.

The existing hospital buildings in Hardwick Lane were built in 1974 and have long exceeded their intended 30-year life span.

WSFT will be developing the new hospital site after funding was provided from the Government’s Health Infrastructure Plan.