The state government has awarded construction company John Holland another significant regional contract, to design and build the first stage of the new $166 million Albany Health Campus.
The state government has awarded construction company John Holland another significant regional contract, to design and build the first stage of the new $166 million Albany Health Campus.
"John Holland was selected from a strong field of candidates to develop the design of the new hospital, which will be the regional resource centre for health services in the Great Southern and serve more than 50,000 people in the region," said Health Minister Kim Hames.
"John Holland will work in close collaboration with the State's project team, health services user groups and other key stakeholders to finalise master planning before developing the design," he said.
Dr Hames said John Holland would start design work immediately, with a series of stakeholder workshops to be held next week initiating the development process.
He said the building was on track for a 2012 finish, with the awarding of the Stage One early contractor involvement (ECI) to the company.
The awarding of the first stage of the contract to John Holland is the second major infrastructure contract, after Fiona Stanley Hospital, awarded under the State Government's early contractor involvement model.
Industry speculation is that the state government is committed to early contractor involvement models for major infrastructure projects as an effective way to minimise cost blowouts.
"The Stage One ECI contract will see the design developed to the point where a firm lump sum price will be offered to the State," Dr Hames said.
Construction is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2011.
The new Albany Health Campus will feature an improved and expanded range of services that include a bigger emergency department; more mental health beds; expanded renal dialysis capability; expanded cancer services; a new surgical centre; and upgraded obstetric and birthing suites.
John Holland western region general manager, Adam Harry, said the project underpinned the firm's dominance of health construction in Western Australia.
"This project is an excellent fit with our business in terms of the style of delivery and scope of works," Mr Harry said.
"It provides John Holland with the opportunity to showcase our proven expertise in managing contractor/ECI style delivery, coupled with our extensive experience in the delivery of health projects.
"We look forward to using this expertise to deliver a first-class health facility for the local community. It is a great honour for us to be a key part of what is a vital public infrastructure project that will transform healthcare services for those living in Albany and its surrounding communities."
Also, last month John Holland was awarded a $92.3 million contract to build health and education facilities in the East Kimberley.
