BREMERTON — Harrison Medical Center owner CHI Franciscan Health System has asked the state Department of Health for approval to close its medical center in Bremerton and shift more than 250 beds to a new medical center to be built in Silverdale.

CHI Franciscan’s letter of intent noted it plans to invest $484 million in expanding Harrison Medical Center in Silverdale. The letter of intent was first sent to state health officials on Aug. 24.

CHI officials say the Bremerton medical center lacks visitor parking and would require expensive and time-consuming upgrades to plumbing and electrical systems and seismic safety.

In the first phase of the project, 168 beds would 9 miles north to Silverdale. A second phase will shift the remaining 85 beds.

CHI spokesman Scott Thompson said once the state certifies the need for a new hospital, the permitting and construction process can begin with in-patient clients being accepted in late 2019 or early 2020.