A turf cutting ceremony took place to mark the start of construction work on two new multi-storey car parks at Sandwell and City hospitals which will improve access for staff, patients and visitors
Construction of the 400-space facility at Sandwell Hospital in West Bromwich and a 550-space car park at City Hospital in Birmingham will take place over 12 months with the facilities operational by Autumn 2021.
The car parks are being developed by the Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust in conjunction with its car parking operator, Q-Park, estates developer Prime and Vinci Construction UK.
High-quality hospital sites have never been so important
Rachel Barlow, director of System Transformation from the Trust, said: “I am very pleased that work has commenced on the car parks.
“They are much-needed facilities which will mean patients and visitors are able to park easily as there will be ample space. There will also be parking for staff and charging points for electric vehicles.”
Ewan Forsyth, Prime’s development director, said: “It is exciting to have reached this latest milestone and I very much look forward to seeing the successful delivery of each car park that, when complete, will provide a huge benefit for staff, patients and visitors.
“Achieving both financial close and planning consent during lockdown and in times of a global pandemic is a huge achievement for all the parties involved.”
James Pollock, Q-Park UK’s head of acquisitions & real estate, commented: “We’re delighted to have reached this significant milestone, especially in these uncertain times when high-quality facilities on hospital sites are so important.
“Building the multi-storey car parks has the potential to improve the quality of access and parking at both Sandwell General Hospital and City Hospital to enhance the patient, visitor and staff experience.”
Michael Roadnight, Vinci’s regional director, added: “We are delighted to work with Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust and Prime and excited to commence construction of these two multi-storey car parks.
“The new MSCP’s will improve parking by creating new facilities to be used by staff, patients and visitors and we very much look forward to delivering this project”.
