Demolition works are underway on the old Broadmoor Hospital site but people are scratching their heads over it.

In January 2020, the News reported how Broadmoor Hospital bosses revealed major plans to develop its notorious former site amid rumours it could be turned into a hotel.

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Patients and staff moved into the new £250 million Broadmoor Hospital on December 16, near to its former 150-year-old Victorian home.

However, the old hospital remains a ghost town and to help fund the new high-security hospital, its owners, West London NHS Trust says it is open for commercial or residential bidding.

In recent days, residents have spotted works taking place on the old psychiatric hospital.

However, locals have quizzed how this can take place if it's a listed building.

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Some believe the site won't be taken down as there is 'too much history' involved.

One person said: "It is a listed building, it will not be taken down. The history of the place is a landmark and there is now a new block next door on the hospital grounds.

"The people working there have kept our country safe from some of the worst criminal minds in the UK if not the world.

"Do not take that away from anyone, it is a testament to the years of keeping people safe."

Another added: "Thats awful to knock it down. Could be used as a museum and do tours, albeit for the morbid. We spoke to the NHS trust which runs Broadmoor Hospital to find out whether they're allowed to."

The NHS trust which runs Broadmoor Hospital said they are in keeping with restrictions for protected buildings which are listed.

A spokesman for West London NHS Trust, said: “A planning application was submitted and approved in advance of the current works on the old Broadmoor hospital site.

"This included extensive consultation with key stakeholders such as English Heritage to ensure that our planning application was in keeping with restrictions for areas of the buildings that are listed.”