A unique new hospital development in Kent is pressing ahead, with the announcement that local authority and NHS chiefs are looking for a construction partner for the project.
Kent County Council and local NHS trust bosses are looking for a developer to deliver a £230m extension of Kent and Canterbury Hospital for free in exchange for land for 2,000 new homes.
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking to appoint a developer to design, build, and finance the 600,000sq ft extension to the existing facility.
The project to shell and core would be delivered at no cost in exchange for nine hectares of land next to the hospital.
It would also include enabling works, access to transport links including new roads, associated infrastructure works, and the construction of a multi-storey car park.
The trust then plans to fit out the new hospital extension through a separate procurement exercise.
Firms have until 14 October to submit PQQs for the expansion scheme in what is a unique financing approach for a project of this kind.