Laing O’Rourke is preparing to install 165t of new steelwork as part of its overhaul of Royal Liverpool Hospital, where construction stalled after the collapse of Carillion.
Parts of the cladding and exterior of the hospital have already been removed as Laing O’Rourke and its subcontractors fix structural issues identified with the building.
Currently, the contractor is constructing the 220 cu m of concrete required to reinforce the structure. Concrete pouring started in August and the work involves ‘grit blasting’ existing concrete beams to ensure the new concrete bonds with the structure. Throughout this work, specialsts are x-raying or ‘ferro-scanning’ the structure to ensure it remains secure throughout construction.
Meanwhile, work is underway to create access points in the exterior of the building to allow the new steelwork to be craned into the building when it is delivered.
The steelwork installation will be completed before the end of the year.
The final cost and timescale to complete the hospital is still being finalised and is due to be reviewed by the local NHS Trust’s board in October, after which it will be submitted to the Department of Health and Social Care.
In the meantime, a total of 45 contracts out of 140 have been approved and a number of the contractors have now started on site, including Heyrods, AG Fixings, Allied Scaffold, Astins, Western Thermal, FB Taylor and Wandsworth. A clerk of works has also been appointed to provide independent expert assurance over the completion of the hospital.
