Robertson appointed on £35m Berwick community hospital
The contractor will complete survey work and take over management of the site from mid-February following the collapse of Merit in November, with a new opening date expected in 2027.
Opus Building Services has been working on site as interim contractor, in the meantime and has been concentrating on securing and tidying the site, completing glazing, and advancing plant works on the roof prior to cladding installation and final groundworks.
At the time of Merit’s administration, the inpatient ward and the Well Close Medical Group areas were nearing completion, and work was shifting to theatre and endoscopy zones.
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has not yet issued a revised completion date but has committed to providing regular updates as the construction programme is reset.
The Trust received planning approval for the project in 2020, with Merit starting construction in 2023.
The project team also included P+HS Architects, planning consultants Lichfields, and project management from Turner & Townsend.
The facility was being delivered using Merit’s MMC off-site construction system, featuring pre-assembled modules and ‘UltraPODs for integrated services.
Damon Kent, managing director of Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management, said: “The last few months have been difficult for many, and we appreciate the concern surrounding the construction of what is such a vital healthcare facility for Berwick and the surrounding areas.
“We are very pleased that we can now move forward with the appointment of Robertson Construction North East and that they are committed to working with previous subcontractors and suppliers.
“I know that people are keen to understand when our colleagues and patients will be able to access our new Berwick hospital. It is difficult at this stage to give an exact timeframe, but we are hoping the hospital will open by spring 2027.”
Neil Kennedy, regional managing director of Robertson Construction North East, added: “The first stage of work is about re-establishing confidence in the scheme and ensuring it is ready to progress as quickly as it can.
“Key to this phase is allowing the team to fully understand the site, build the relationships they need to and put measures in place to reduce any risk.
“We come to this project with valuable experience gained from delivering the Community Diagnostic Centre at the Metrocentre in Gateshead and the new state
“All of our team are looking forward to ensuring that Berwick and the surrounding communities can access a high-quality community hospital that will provide patient care well into the future.”