Queen's Hospital Romford M&S and Greggs works start

A section of the entrance forecourt at Queen's in Romford has been dug up, marking the start of construction of a new M&S.

Photos also show barriers installed around the site, a small digger and wooden boarding at one end.

The hospital's trust, Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT), confirmed the start of works in a post on social media on Monday (June 29).

This is the area where the new M&S store will be (Image: NQ)

The post said: "Work starts today on exciting new additions to Queen's Hospital, with M&S and Greggs due to open later this year.

"These new facilities will offer even more choice and convenience for our patients, visitors and staff.

"Don't worry, our fruit hut isn't going anywhere, it'll be just round the corner!"

The entrance forecourt will also get new retail pods as part of the project (Image: NQ)

Havering Council granted planning permission for the new M&S store on June 19, alongside two retail pods and a "small-scale market square" outside the front entrance to the hospital.

A 24/7 Greggs store and a "refurbished restaurant" - both within the hospital - were also included in the plans.

The existing fruit hut in front of the hospital will be relocated and enhanced, and the existing Costcutter store removed, as part of longer-term improvement plans at the hospital.

Patients are also set for an upgraded A&E department at Queen's under a separate proposal, including a new main entrance and internal works to streamline patient flow through the wards.

The council is yet to make a decision on this application, but it is expected by July 31.