CONSTRUCTION of a new community health centre at Ayrshire Central Hospital is due to begin next week.

Work on the new 206 en-suite bedroom mental health and community facility will start on Monday, July 14.

The contract for the £47 million development has been awarded to Balfour Beatty, while Stewart Milne Timber Systems have been appointed to design, supply and install the structural timber frame.

Work will take place on the grounds of the former Pavilions 4-9, which were situated in the centre of the hospital site.

Both entrances to the hospital will remain open throughout the duration of the works, however occasional restrictions may be in place when deliveries are being received. A number of internal roads will be changed and this will affect access to Pavilions 1, 2 and 3. Signs will be in place to show the alternative routes that should be followed.

Temporary car parking spaces have been provided to make up for parking areas lost during the construction period. Patients, staff and visitors to the site are asked to comply with all permanent and temporary traffic restrictions for the duration of the works.

John Wright, director for corporate services at NHS Ayrshire & Arran, said: “We are looking forward to getting started and providing the people of Ayrshire and Arran with the very best facility possible. During construction some short-term disruption is inevitable but we will work hard to keep this to a minimum and would appreciate everyone’s patience during this time.” Balfour Beatty and Stewart Milne Timber Systems previously worked together to build Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow in 2008.

The new hospital will cover an area of 12,465 square metres, with the external walls being closed pre-insulated panels.

Alex Goodfellow, group managing director of Stewart Milne Timber Systems, said: “This a major and important new facility for Ayrshire and the surrounding area, and using timber systems in the build programme will mean the hospital will enter working use much sooner.

“Offsite manufacture as a central part of the project will allow for a faster build process, much better energy performance and less waste produced both in the factory and onsite. Meeting deadlines is a critical element of this project, so we’ll be working very closely with Balfour Beatty throughout to ensure the hospital is delivered on time and on budget.” Stewart Milne Timber Systems will work to a 23-week build schedule, beginning in November 2014 and expected to be complete by May 2015. To further enhance the speed of the build, several expert teams will manage a scaffold-free build onsite.

The building is expected to open in Spring 2016.