A UNION has raised concerns over the development of a state-of-the art £30m medical training academy.

The five-storey Bolton College of Medical Science would be constructed at the Royal Bolton Hospital in Farnworth in an area currently used for parking by staff and patients, raising questions about future parking provision.

Representatives from the college have moved to alleviate concerns, pointing out that the proposals include plans to move the current 237-space carpark to another area and build a separate three-storey 500-space car park adjacent to the new building.

Tim Ellis, regional organiser for UNISON which represents staff at the hospital, said the union was in favour of the new training academy, but concerned about the impact it might have on staff parking.

“We welcome the development of new buildings on the Royal Bolton Hospital site but it would be foolhardy not to give staff and patients space for sufficient car parking,” Mr Ellis said.

The plans, put forward by Bolton College do include a new multi-storey carpark adjacent to the training academy but this facility will be solely for staff, visitors and students of the college.

A spokesman for the College of Medical Science, said: "The development includes a dedicated multi-storey car park, which will provide parking space for over 500 vehicles across three storeys.

"Subject to planning permission, a management process will be put in place to determine availability to learners and other hospital users.

"This is part of a proposed phased investment in parking facilities across the site, as part of the hospital's masterplan, which will see improvements in parking provision for both hospital visitors and staff."

An application for the building was submitted to Bolton Council’s planning department earlier this month, it is expected to go before councillors by the end of May.

The scheme is expected to create an additional 25,000 jobs - mixture of apprenticeships and other positions - in the first 20 years after it is built, with 3,000 students attended each year.

It will focus on vocational and professional skills, providing existing staff at the hospital with training as well as other students visiting the site to learn.

The application includes cafe in addition to the teaching areas and the new carpark.

If it received planning permission, the building will be constructed on land bordered by Kinlay Road, Redgate Way and Barnes Drive. To find out more, search for 05811/19 on the council's planning portal.