Contractor shake-up for £150m Paterson building
Integrated Health Projects, the joint venture between Vinci and Sir Robert McAlpine, has taken over as main contractor for The Christie’s £150m Paterson building in Withington, Manchester, replacing Interserve which had previously been lined up to build the scheme.
Plans for the replacement of the fire-damaged building at the cancer hospital’s Withington campus were approved by Manchester City Council in August, and avoided call-in from the Secretary of State despite the proposal proving controversial within the local community due to its perceived height.
The mixed 10- and seven-storey building, designed by BDP, is set to include more than 113,300 sq ft of laboratory and research space over four floors, along with 92,000 sq ft of consultant workspace. There will be a 28,000 sq ft reception, café, facilities management, and research space on the ground floor, along with public realm fronting the building.
Interserve had been chosen as The Christie’s partner for the project through the ProCure22+ framework, and recently completed the first phase of demolition and remediation work alongside subcontractor PP O’Connor. The contractor had also been providing initial design and technical work.
IHP has now taken over as lead contractor, according to reports submitted to Manchester City Council discharging planning conditions to enable a start on the main phase of works. Three tower cranes will be needed to enable the structure to be built, with completion expected in 2021.
The IHP joint venture between Vinci and Sir Robert McAlpine was established in 2003 to deliver NHS construction projects.
A fire severely damaged the original Paterson building in 2017, leaving it unusable, and the building’s staff were relocated to Alderley Park.
According to planning documents from Turley, which acted for The Christie, “the redevelopment of the Paterson Building is going to deliver a world-leading cancer research facility, which will enhance The Christie’s world-leading status and its ability to treat patients, detect cancer earlier, develop new treatments and drugs, and retain and attract the best talent.”
The professional team also includes Faithful+Gould, Mace and Arup.
Interserve has had a long-running relationship with The Christie, most recently delivering projects such as the Proton Beam Energy Centre in Withington.
A spokesperson for Interserve Construction said: “Interserve Construction has enjoyed a long and positive association with Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust delivering a wide range of projects over several years particularly the award-winning Proton Beam Therapy Centre.
“We have a strong track record in delivering quality healthcare infrastructure in the UK and this sector will remain a key part of our strategy going forward and an opportunity to showcase our knowledge, experience, innovation and expertise in this key public sector.”
