Macclesfield Infirmary, Cumberland Street, Macclesfield

The Committee proposed to appoint J Stevens, but their decision was not unanimous. The assessor, Mr Currey, had reported in favour of plans drawn up by Mr Waterhouse. [Builder Saturday 6 January1866 Page 19]

Built entirely from voluntary contributions by the people of Macclesfield and opened by Lord Egerton of Tatton in 1872. The building is now demolished, Sainsbury's now standing on the site.  [Pevsner: Cheshire]

OPENING OF THE MACCLESFIELD NEW INFIRMARY - A large new building designed for an infirmary, a dispensary and a children’s hospital was formally opened at Macclesfield yesterday by Lord Egerton, the lord lieutenant of the county. The building has been erected, including site and the laying out of the surrounding at a total cost of about £18,000, the whole of which has been raised by donations and subscriptions. .... A site was selected near what is now the public park; and the plans of Mr Stevens, architect, of Macclesfield and Manchester, were finally approved, after considerable competition with the plans of Mr Alfred Waterhouse, of London, and other eminent architects. The foundation stone of the building was laid in 1867 by the present marquis of Westminster. It is built upon the pavilion plan. There is accommodation for about 80 adult patients with operating theatre, ophthalmic wards, detached fever wards, etc. The ventilating arrangements throughout are very complete, and in accordance with the recommendations of the best medical authorities. A special hospital for children under 14 years of age has been provided by independent subscriptions; and the work of the local Dispensary is in future to be carried on in connection with the Institution, extensive accommodation being provided for outdoor patients. The external appearance of the building is commanding. It is built in the Italian style, with centre block and wings, connected by spacious and airy corridors on the basement and first floors, the centre block being surmounted with a clock tower. The position of the principal wards is north and south longitudinally. The children’s hospital is in the south-west wing, on the basement; the dispensary is in the corresponding wing on the south-east. The fever wards are separated from the main building by open corridors to the north, and mortuary, receiving houses, wash-houses, laundries, etc. are detached on the north-east. The building at present is only furnished for about 40 beds, divided among the respective wards, according to probable requirements; and upon the appointment of surgeon and attendants, which will take place immediately, the work of the institution will at once commence.[Manchester Guardian 3 October 1872 page 8]

Reference    Builder Saturday 6 January1866 Page 19
Reference    Manchester Weekly Times 22 December 1866 page 8
Reference    Manchester Guardian 30 March 1867 page 2 - contracts for foundations
Reference    Manchester Guardian 25 May 1867 page 2 – contracts
Reference    Staffordshhire Advertiser 1 June 1867 page 1 - contracts
Reference    Manchester Guardian 3 October 1872 page 8 - opening
Reference    Pevsner: Cheshire