THE preferred site of a £25m hospital in Redcar will be revealed at a meeting with local residents later this week.

The proposals are central to the Fit For The Future project, which focuses on redeveloping services currently provided at Redcar's Stead Memorial Hospital, the town's health centre and Wheatacres Residential Home.

The main aim of the Primary Care Trust (PCT) is to provide local services wherever possible.

These proposals ensure Redcar continues to have a community hospital.

They will also endeavour to increase the services available, particularly outpatient and day-case appointments while providing extra space for GP practices and rehabilitation services.

Initial plans for the facility, which will be without an accident and emergency unit, have been drawn up and a preferred site has been chosen.

Building work should start in July 2006, with completion by summer of 2007. Work between now and July 2006 will focus on designing the building and choosing a partner to finance and build it.

Meetings have been arranged for residents to discuss the development. The first is tomorrow, for invited residents only, when the preferred site will be revealed.

Fit For The Future project manager Mark Adams said: "This is an exciting time for the PCT. We hope to develop our plans further with front-line staff and local people to ensure both the services and design of the building match the expectations of the people of Redcar and the Langbaurgh PCT area."

Sue Cook, clinical leader on Stead's general unit said: "This redevelopment will be such a welcome boost to providing the highest quality healthcare in what will be an ultra-modern hospital. It is well overdue and will be of great benefit to the whole of Redcar and the surrounding area."