A FUTURISTIC vision for a leading edge medical science park at the Wessex Fields site in Bournemouth can be unveiled today.

The land behind Royal Bournemouth Hospital and next to the A338 Spur Road could be home to new pioneering medical technology centre as part of a 'living lab' and science park concept.

Council planners are drawing up proposals working with the hospital and the Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group.

The scheme can now move ahead with the inclusion of a new road and junction directly linking the A338.

Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood had urged Secretary of State James Brokenshire to call in the decision, claiming Bournemouth council was biased as applicant, land-owner and decision-maker.

But last week the minister said he would not intervene.

Councillor Philip Broadhead, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, said; “Our vision is for Wessex Fields to be an ideal environment to nurture industry-leading innovation research.

"Digital health is a growing sector and the park’s proximity to the hospital provides a fantastic opportunity to combine medical research with some of the fastest IT connectivity in the country.

“This site has the potential to provide new and exciting job prospects for Bournemouth’s fast-growing population, and the wider region.”

The scheme will be developed into a full park layout which will be completed in the next few weeks.

Richard Renaut, Chief Operating Officer of The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “Research is an integral part of the future development of our hospitals and Wessex Fields represents an exciting opportunity to expand in this area.

"This will benefit our patients and local population by creating a living lab here in east Dorset, working closely with our academic partners.

"It was therefore welcome news that the new junction from the A338 will help unlock the Wessex Fields site as well as helping our patients, visitors and staff with access to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.”

Dr Phil Richardson, Chief System Integration Officer of Our Dorset ICS said: “The development of a big data living laboratory is a key element of the long-term plan for Dorset’s ICS.

"By bringing together medtech, biotech, life science and digital partners together with the NHS, local authorities and the university we will be able to be at the forefront on innovation that delivers improved health and wellbeing for our communities.

"We have already started this journey with Research Active Dorset and see the living lab as the next exciting step.”