Vinci/SRM hospital project paused as costs spike
Summary
Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has paused the Rockingham Wing extension after updated costs and programme delays made the scheme less affordable than expected. The trust is now weighing a new-build option against a revised extension-and-rebuild approach, while services continue and the existing wing remains in use with RAAC-related monitoring in place.
Why it matters
The article highlights how cost escalation, programme slippage and RAAC can reshape public-sector building strategies, which is relevant to surveyors involved in hospital estates, defect risk and redevelopment planning. It also underscores the importance of robust cost planning and condition assessment when advising on ageing assets and phased redevelopment.
Key points
- Hospital extension paused due to affordability challenges and extended delivery timescales.
- Existing Rockingham Wing contains RAAC and remains operational with monitoring and mitigation measures.
- Trust is considering either a new-build facility or a revised extension followed by demolition and rebuild.
- A new-build could affect land currently used for contractor activity linked to an energy centre project.
- Planning assumption for a new-build is construction starting in 2029 and completion in 2032.
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