In addition Children’s Services will be integrated into a purpose built facility adjoining the main development.

The project, which is being led and managed by a SPV set up by John Laing, Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Interserve Investments, is almost entirely new build, with some limited refurbishment at the RVI. Construction is being carried out by Laing O’Rourke Northern, with facilities management support for the new hospitals being provided by Interserve FM.

The final of the seven phases of the project is due to be completed in 2013 but already the ulti-storey car park at the Freeman Hospital is operational, ahead of time and helping to relieve the pressure on the local traffic system.