Construction to recommence on £7m state-of-the-art health centre for Birkenhead (From Wirral Globe)

Construction to recommence on £7m state-of-the-art health centre for Birkenhead

5:16pm Monday 15th June 2009

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Work is expected recommence next week on the Birkenhead Medical Building in Laird Street following the appointment of a replacement building contractor.

Construction was halted on the new health centre after Wirral-based contractor Felton Construction went into administration last month.

'We are delighted to hear that the project is back on track and that we will be able to open early next year'

Dr Abhi Mantgani, Miriam Medical Centre

Liverpool-based Nobles Construction has stepped in to complete the project following a rigorous selection procedure and as a result of its strong track record of delivering primary care buildings on time and within budget, a spokesman said.

The centre is is being provided by primary care investor Assura and its development partner LSP Developments.

Commenting on the news, Assura development manager Tom Cooke said: "Whilst it was disappointing to learn of Felton Construction’s demise, we are delighted that our development partner, LSP has now completed a thorough due diligence process leading to the appointment of Nobles Construction enabling work to re-commence as soon as possible.”

Once completed the new facility will accommodate eight GPs from the nearby Miriam and Cavendish Medical Centres, replacing their existing buildings, which are cramped, outdated and no longer fit for purpose.

Both practices will retain their own identities within the new building.

An on-site pharmacy will feature in the new building as well as additional space for community services which will be provided by NHS Wirral.

The facility will also accommodate services provided by Peninsula Health, a partnership between 26 Wirral GP Practices and Assura.

Peninsula Health is currently providing a range of services in the community including orthopaedics, rheumatology, nerve conduction studies and audiology.

In addition, an Assura Health and Wellness Centre will be located on the floors above the GP practices, which will provide additional serviced clinical accommodation to medical practitioners providing services that are complementary to those offered by Peninsula Health.

Dr Janet Melville of the Cavendish Medical Practice said: "It was a real shame to hear that building work had been forced to stop temporarily as we had put in a lot of effort to get this far and were looking forward to welcoming our patients to the new health centre.

"We are thankful to Assura and LSP for the support that they have given in ensuring that construction work could get back under way as quickly as possible, while avoiding any lengthy delays."

Dr Abhi Mantgani of the Miriam Medical Centre said: “We are delighted to hear that the project is back on track and that we will be able to open early next year.

"The new building will allow us to continue serving our patients, but from a much more appropriate, purpose built setting."

Phil Lilley, director or LSP Developments said: “It has been our priority to appoint a new contractor as soon as possible and to minimise any delay to the completion of building works.

"We put in place a rigorous selection process to ensure that we appointed the right contractor who has the experience and a strong track record to complete the building."

Peter Linford, director at Nobles Construction said: "All parties have been able to act very quickly to salvage the scheme and ensure there is minimum delay to operations.

"We have a proven track record of delivering projects of this kind against client objectives, on time and within budget.

"We’re confident we will help deliver a state-of-the-art facility that will improve the access to healthcare for the local community."

The health centre is expected to be completed by March 2010.

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