Firm linked with deal for Tilbury Douglas set to start work in February

Kier has been chosen for a £93m job to build major new clinical buildings at Luton & Dunstable University Hospital.

The appointment, which was made via the Crown Commercial Services framework, comes the day after news that the contractor is looking to acquire rival Tilbury Douglas for around £50m.

Luton and Dunstable University Hospital proposed site in 2024 (1)

The project will start on site next month

The scheme, which will cover 16,700 sq m, is being undertaken to improve maternity, neonatal, theatres and critical care services at the hospital.

It will include the design and construction of a new acute services block and a new ward block which will house a delivery suite, the birthing unit and a neonatal intensive care unit with parent accommodation.

The new buildings will be linked to the main buildings by a five-storey block that will include lifts for visitors and patients.

Kier said it will use low-carbon concrete in the building frame and floor slabs while a number of building components will be pre-fabricated offsite. These include internal staircases with balustrades, M&E and washroom panels.

The project will start on site in the next month and is due for completion in 2024.