A Gateshead contractor has been appointed to restart the stalled build of the Berwick Infirmary.
Robertson Construction North East has pledged to ‘identify opportunities for local businesses, that have previously worked on the project, to be involved going forward’ according to an update from Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Work stopped at the site late last year as Merit Construction fell into administration and withdrew from the build.
‘We acknowledge that the last few months have been difficult for many,’ said a statement from the Trust, ‘and we appreciate the shared concern surrounding the construction of what is such a vital healthcare facility for Berwick and the surrounding areas.’
According to the Trust statement, Robertsons ‘will take over management of our new hospital site in the middle of February, and a confirmed programme of work is expected by the end of February’.
The statement concluded: ’It is difficult at this stage to give an exact timeframe, but we are hoping the hospital will open by Spring 2027.’
The project’s updates have cast into doubt the fate of the bell-tower and adjacent Victorian buildings.
Originally preserved following a petition ten years ago by Hazel Bettison, former Mayor and NHS employee, last year the Trust announced the adjacent buildings were to be demolished leaving only the tower as a reminder of the building’s heritage.
