Kier lands £120m delayed Edinburgh eye hospital job | Construction Enquirer News
Summary
Kier has secured a £120 million contract to construct a new eye hospital in Edinburgh, addressing a decade of delays and funding issues.
Why It Matters
This project is significant as it aims to replace the outdated Eye Pavilion, which has faced numerous setbacks since being deemed unfit for purpose in 2014. The new facility will enhance healthcare services in Edinburgh and contribute to the city's expanding medical campus, reflecting ongoing investment in public health infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- Kier appointed as principal supply chain partner for NHS Lothian.
- The new eye hospital will replace the outdated Eye Pavilion, enhancing healthcare services.
- The project has faced delays due to funding issues and shifting government priorities.
- Expected completion is now pushed to late 2027 or beyond.
- Kier will leverage experience from previous NHS projects to ensure successful delivery.
The contractor will act as principal supply chain partner for NHS Lothian on the new specialist facility at the Edinburgh BioQuarter in Little France. The project will replace the ageing Eye Pavilion, which was first declared “not fit for purpose” in 2014. Since then the scheme has been hit by funding withdrawals, budget freezes and shifting government priorities, pushing the expected opening back to late 2027 or beyond. In 2018, Graham was lined up on a £45m contract to deliver the hospital, but the plan stalled as costs escalated. The new hospital will sit alongside the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, forming part of the capital’s expanding healthcare and research campus. Kier said it would draw on experience from delivering the NHS Golden Jubilee Eye Hospital and Sunderland Eye Infirmary. Sean Fenner, Managing Director, Kier Construction North & Scotland, said: “We are proud to be the Principal Supply Chain Partner for NHS Lothian to deliver early construction works at the new Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.”