Construction has begun on the final part of the heavily delayed new Royal Liverpool Hospital.
The new hospital was originally due to open in 2017 but has been hit by a series of delays and issues following the collapse of original contractor Carillion.
But now it finally looks as if the new hospital build is in its final stretch.
READ MORE: Lorry bursts into flames as Storm Franklin wind blows it into bridge on M6
Work has officially started on the podium entrance and drop-off facility, the final significant part of the build.
The important milestone was marked by a ground-breaking ceremony attended by Sir David Dalton, Interim Chief Executive at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LUHFT), Steve Gerard, LUHFT Associate Director for New Hospital Construction, Andy Thomson, Laing O’Rourke Project Director and Neil Davies, Laing O’Rourke Project Manager for the podium works.
Providing airport-style drop off and pick up points, the podium will deliver access for pedestrians and vehicles to short stay drop off points and disabled parking at the north side main entrances.
Work is already underway on the foundations, ready for the installation of the steel framed concrete structure in early spring. The build is scheduled to complete in late summer.
Sir David Dalton, Interim Chief Executive at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, explains: “This is an important stage in the construction of the new hospital as it is the final piece of the jigsaw that provides easy access to the building for patients.
“Our clinical and operational teams are working on their move plans and a programme of familiarisation and staff training will take place following practical completion.”
Andy Thomson from Laing O’Rourke adds: “We are pleased to have commenced works on the new podium, which is the final significant element of the overall build programme for the new hospital.
"Our construction team are immensely proud to be delivering the new Royal Liverpool University Hospital and have managed to maintain good progress throughout the challenges of the pandemic. We look forward to handing the hospital over to the Trust to facilitate it’s opening to patients later this year.”
Planning was granted in November 2021 and the new podium improves access to the new hospital for patients and reflects the increased footfall and traffic to the area.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
