Work on delayed Midland Metropolitan Hospital to start within weeks
Work on a delayed hospital will re-start later this month after the crisis-hit project was bailed out by the Government, it has been announced.
The Midland Metropolitan Hospital has stood abandoned in Smethwick since the collapse of construction giant Carillion in January and the £475 million facility will open at least three years late. Balfour Beatty has been brought in to finish the job.
The hospital, which is around two-thirds built on Grove Lane, was rescued after the Government agreed to put up the money to finish construction. Part of the work will have to be re-done as the site has deteriorated after being left to the elements for the best part of a year.
Toby Lewis, chief executive of the Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, which will run the hospital, said it was now time to move forward.
He said: “We are delighted to enter this partnership with Balfour Beatty to take the important next steps in completing the Midland Met.
"It has been sad to see the building standing paused for the last nine months, and so it is great news that work will shortly restart. We are grateful for the considerable support that we have had locally and nationally to move forward.
"We are investing in our existing buildings for the interim period but there is no doubt that a new single acute and emergency hospital in Smethwick is what the local NHS needs to provide the very best care. It also releases money to invest in primary care and mental health services. This news brings that transformation closer.”
Thomas Edgcumbe, Balfour Beatty's North and Midlands managing director, said: “We are delighted to be able to support the trust on this key hospital project which is vital for the local residents and the wider community.
“Our wealth of experience and expertise in the healthcare sector will enable us to recommence work quickly and allow for the successful completion of this early works contract.”
