Health Minister Edwina Hart will mark the beginning of the transformation of the Cardiff Royal Infirmary as demolition work gets underway.

More than £30million Welsh Assembly Government-funding has been earmarked to replace the outdated city centre hospital site with a modern healthcare complex. The local NHS is now developing detailed plans for the site for the Minister's approval.

An Assembly Government-commissioned report, prepared by Dr Stephen Hunter, recommended a phased development of services which will include primary care, unscheduled care, community mental health, substance misuse, outpatients and diagnostics.

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Funding of £3.3million has been released for the first phase of the re-development including the demolition of unused, outdated buildings and installing a new heating system.

It is expected that the entire development will take at least four years to complete.

Mrs Hart said that once completed, the new facilities will improve access to healthcare for the people in the south and east of Cardiff and help to relieve pressure on the University Hospital of Wales.

Mrs Hart said: "I was determined to resolve the issues surrounding the re-development of this site. I am pleased to see the demolition of the outdated and unused buildings getting underway. This will pave the way for better healthcare services.

"Cardiff Royal Infirmary, with its location within the city, is well-placed to provide a range of services for local people."

Because of its historical status, the redevelopment of the site is being planned in collaboration with Cardiff Council and Cadw in order to preserve the special architectural interest associated with some parts of the site.

(CD/KMcA)