Doig & Smith starts work on PFI 'hospital in the park'

Doig & Smith is the QS on a hospital scheme in Glasgow that reached financial close this week. The New Victoria Hospital will cost around £100m and is due to start on site in December.

HLM Architects came up with the concept of a "hospital in the park" for the building, which is located in a landscape setting for the therapeutic benefit of patients and staff.

The 41,500 m² facility is to be fully operational by 2009. It is being built by a consortium led by the Canmore Partnership and Balfour Beatty Construction.

The PFI scheme is part of a £200m plan to replace two hospitals - the Victoria Infirmary and Stobhill Hospital.

It is situated next to the historic sites of Battlefield Cross and Queen's Park on the south side of Glasgow.

New hospital facilities include flexible outpatient clinics that are set around internal courtyards. The clinics include ENT/audiology, ophthalmology, cardiology and multi test areas, as well as general outpatient functions. Separate access is provided to a day hospital, a minor injuries unit incorporating and facilities for emergency dental treatment.