TALKS aimed at finalising the construction contract for Jersey’s new hospital are continuing, the Health Minister has confirmed.
Following discussions with fellow ministers, Deputy Tom Binet issued a short update on negotiations between the hospital project team and Bouygues UK, the company named as the preferred bidder for the £710 million scheme last November.
He said: “Ministers remain fully aligned on the need to deliver a new acute hospital for Islanders and are clear that this project is essential and deliverable.
“They also recognised that finalising a main works contract for a project of this scale and complexity requires careful, detailed consideration to ensure the outcome is right for the Island.
“Our collective focus is on securing a robust agreement that delivers the hospital as planned while representing appropriate value and protection for the public purse.”
Deputy Binet denied there was any set timescale for the negotiations, saying “it will take as long as it takes” and acknowledging that this could include moving beyond the start of the election period on 20 April..
He added: “Ministers are united that decisions will be taken in line with established guidance and codes of practice, including those that apply during the election period, should that be necessary.
“As with any live and confidential tender process, it is essential that commercial discussions are conducted carefully and responsibly,” he continued. “As Health Minister, I will complete this process only when satisfied that the terms deliver a fair, balanced and sustainable agreement in the best interests of both parties, but especially Islanders.”
Although the situation has caused frustration for some Islanders following a lengthy campaign to get the project off the ground, Deputy Binet said the current government had made “significant progess”.
“Planning permission is in place, funding has been identified and development works at the Overdale site are underway and continuing in earnest, placing the project on a more advanced footing than any previous hospital scheme,” he said.
