BIG-NAME retailers could be opening up shops at Colchester General Hospital under plans for a £38million facelift.

Bosses want to attract national chains such as M&S, WH Smith and Mothercare to a new retail zone at the Turner Road hospital.

Hospital directors will be asked to agree to spend £150,000 on drawing up plans and appointing a company to build the shopping area and attract national chains at a board meeting on Thursday.

The company will then pay a portion of the rent they receive back to the hospital.

Under the terms of the agreement, they will also be required to build a new hospital reception, waiting area and toilets. Nick Chatten, estates director, said: “Most hospitals have a number of different shops. Most are names people know from the High Street.

“Coffee shops, newsagents, shops selling snacks or meals are the kind of things we would be looking at.

“Some hospitals even have little branches of Mothercare.

“We will find a commercial partner who can look at establishing those facilities in Colchester.”

National chains which already have outlets in NHS hospitals include WH Smith, Costa Coffee, Starbucks and M&S.

Hospital chiefs announced plans in August for a £38million overhaul of the hospital in the next five years.

The bulk of the money – £24million – will be spent on a new radiotherapy centre.