Hospital bosses in Southampton have secured permission for a new office building with the possibility of future expansion.

Planning officers at Southampton City Council approved the application from University Hospital Southampton (UHS) for the General Hospital site in Tremona Road.

The proposal for a new estates office will initially be a single-storey office building designed to house 32 flexible desk spaces, with seminar, meeting and quiet rooms.

The design of the block allows for future vertical expansion up to three storeys, which is said to align with the NHS trust’s strategic master plan and future growth requirements.

A planning statement by architects and building consultants Hunters on behalf of the hospital trust said: “The proposed new estates office building for University Hospital Southampton is a well-considered development that aligns with the strategic objectives of UHS and the planning policies of Southampton City Council.

“The project will provide high-quality office space, support future growth, and enhance the overall functionality and appearance of the hospital site.”

The proposed site for the development is on the south-western edge of the hospital site between the Wellbeing Hub and a residential building located along Laundry Road.

The area is currently used as a staff car park, with the project leading to a reduction of 25 parking pays.

The statement added: “This decrease in parking availability will be offset by promoting the use of the staff park and ride facility at Adanac Park.

“The new development proposes to connect to the existing Well Being Hub facilities and sharing the current cycle parking via Laundry Road.”

Once built, the estates office will allow existing staff to relocate from other areas of the hospital into a single new space.

The local authority’s planning department approved on October 7.