The Southern Health Trust is remaining tightlipped over a planned extension to St Luke’s Hospital in Armagh.
Planning applications had previously been lodged in relation to electrical works at the Hill House building, situated just off the Loughgall Road.
And now a tender for the “St Luke’s Hospital Armagh – accommodation block refurb’ – has appeared for a further programme works with an estimated duration of four months.
It is for construction works to “provide accessible ground floor areas, to include new extension”.
It also details the intention for the “general refurbishment of the entire building”.
Landscaping of the surrounding grounds is included in the remit.
The tender has been published by the Department for Health, on behalf of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.
The deadline for receipt is August 28, with tenders to be opened on that date and contract awarded shortly afterwards.
Armagh I contacted the Southern Trust to find out what the work would entail and why it was necessary. We also asked for details surrounding services currently located on the St Luke’s site and if the extension might indicate additional services moving there with a relocation from elsewhere.
Estimated costs and timeframe were requested too.
But the Southern Trust has declined to comment on any of the questions posed.
The response to our enquiry simply read: “Due to the ongoing procurement process, we are unable to provide any further information at this point in relation to this tender.”
The publication of the tender comes after listed building consent was recently granted by ABC Council for an upgrade of ‘low voltage’ electrical works.
A planning statement had advised: “Hill House forms part of the historic St Luke’s Hospital estate. The building retains significant architectural character, including original internal features, external masonry, and heritage joinery. Existing electrical installations are outdated and in some areas no longer meet modern safety requirements.
“The LV upgrade is essential to maintain safe occupation and continued use of the building.”
It added: “The purpose of the project is to replace ageing electrical infrastructure that has reached the end of its serviceable life, improve safety and resilience, and ensure compliance with current electrical standards.”
