Planning consent for Carillion UK hospital

Work will start on a new £297 million (€403.7 million) state-of-the-art hospital early next year in Smethwick, UK, after a Carillion joint venture, the Hospital Company, saw its plans given consent by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.

The Midland Metropolitan Hospital will have around 670 beds and 15 operating theatre suites, as well as a number of innovative design features. These include a fully-enclosed winter garden, car parking within the hospital building on the ground and first floors, and full separation of clinical activities and journeys from the public and non-clinical services.

In addition, the design and construction of the hospital are claimed to meet the highest standards of sustainability.

Carillion expects to invest some £16 million (€21.75 million) of equity in the project, which will be built at a capital cost of £297 million (€403.8 million).

Construction is due to start early in 2016 with completion scheduled for mid-2018, with the hospital opening later in 2018.

The Hospital Company was selected as the preferred bidder by the Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, in August.

The hospital will be delivered in a public private partnership under a 30-year concession contract using the UK government's PF2 model.