WORK on the hospital’s controversial £27m. clinical block is ahead of schedule. Contractor Charles Le Quesne (Guernsey) Ltd, secured the States tender despite putting in a bid which was £2.4m. more than one from R. G. Falla which was withdrawn, said also that it was running to budget.
‘It’s a good, challenging job. We’re very pleased with how it’s all gone,’ said project manager Alan Rogers.
‘We’re running slightly ahead of schedule and within the current cost plan - though it’s early days yet. We’re only four months into a 30-month contract.’
The withdrawal of Falla’s tender created a political storm which led to the Wales Audit Office investigating the circumstances surrounding it and eventually to the resignation of the Policy Council.
Work began in January and is expected to be complete by July 2009. Among the features of the 78-bed centre are medical and therapy wards, a renal department, a cancer care unit, a day hospital, a medical assessment unit and a doctors and nurses training facility.
The building was designed by architects Nightingale Associates.
‘Some 50% of the beds are in single rooms to provide flexibility in use, improved privacy and dignity for patients and to reduce the risk of cross-infection,’ said director Simon Boundy.
‘The four bed wards are a unique design again to reduce the risk of cross-infection.’
Work so far has involved the demolition of the buildings formerly on the site, the laying the foundations, digging 1.5km trenches for drainage and building a 10,000-piece, 350-tonne steel frame.
The framework is due to be up by January, when work will begin on the terracotta tiled cladding and slate roofing. Plans also include four courtyards and a large landscaped garden area.
Up to 200 workers are expected on site when it is at its busiest.
Mr Rogers said local companies were being given work as sub-contractors whenever possible.
Article posted on 2nd May, 2007 - 12.00am
Loading ...
Most Commented: