The first images of the proposed new Papworth Hospital were unveiled today as health officials announced their intention to appoint Skanska as the preferred bidder to lead the project.

Cambs Times: Views of the proposed new Papworth Hospital siteViews of the proposed new Papworth Hospital site (Image: Archant)

Following what the hospital called a “rigorous evaluation of bids” received from two private companies, Skanska were selected to lead the consortium to design, build and maintain the new Papworth Hospital when it relocates to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

OCS, a member of the consortium, will provide support services such as catering and cleaning.

Project director Ken Brewer said: “While the two bids were both very comprehensive the assessment of the bids followed a very robust process which resulted in the selection of the consortium led by Skanska.”

Chief executive, Stephen Bridge, hailed an ‘important milestone’ in the new Papworth Hospital project.

He said: “This is an important milestone in the ten-year project to move to our new site on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

“In early October we heard that the Department of Health had cleared the business case to be forwarded to the Treasury for approval and today’s announcement will move us closer to realising our vision to provide the highest quality facilities for our patients”.

“The clinical, research and economic case for the new Papworth Hospital is beyond doubt and we look forward to relocating to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus which is fast becoming one of the most vibrant biomedical communities in the world.

“New Papworth Hospital and the co-located Heart and Lung Research Institute - a joint venture between Papworth and the University of Cambridge which is dependent upon the relocation of the hospital - will create jobs and wealth in the area and attract leading clinicians and researchers to Cambridge.”

Professor Patrick Maxwell, executive director of Cambridge University Health Partners, added: “I am delighted that the project to relocate Papworth Hospital to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus is moving forwards. The Biomedical Campus is part of the largest biotech cluster outside the United States.

“As one of the leading academic health science centres in the country, bringing the specialist cardiothoracic services provided by Papworth on to the main site is of key importance across all three aspects of our tripartite mission – patient care, education and research.”