Construction work on a £22m Oxford hospital is on schedule.
Last month, the Nuffield Hospitals Group reversed its decision to name the 83-bed private development in London Road, Headington, the Nuffield Hospital Oxford, after complaints it would create confusion with the nearby Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre.
Instead, it will be called the Manor Hospital, reflecting the site's history as Oxford United's former home, the Manor Ground.
Contractor Shepherd Construction is making rapid progress with the erection of the steelwork frame.
One thousand tonnes of steel have been used to construct the three-storey building, with 11-metre trusses being lifted into place by a crane with a 30-metre jib radius.
Covering an area of approximately 15,000sq m, the hospital will provide the latest medical facilities and much-needed additional space for the existing Acland Hospital, in Banbury Road. Staff will move into the building next year.
Once completed, the hospital will incorporate six operating theatres, 20 consulting rooms, more than 80 beds --including six intensive therapy unit beds -- together with underground basement car parking for 120 cars.
The next stage of the project will include the start of brickwork and the construction of an 'inflatable' roof.
Two central atriums will be covered with 800sq m of ETFE roofing, which allows daylight to enter the building through transparent air-filled pillows that are a third of the weight of glass.
Shepherd began work on the project in October last year and the contract is scheduled for completion in June next year.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article