Tasmanians can be confident that the $689 million RHH Redevelopment is on track with topping out celebrations marking the completion of K-Block’s main concrete structure.

With more than 500 subcontractors currently on site, workers and staff of the Managing Contractor and project team marked the massive achievement with a site BBQ and a drone photograph to celebrate everyone that contributed to its success.

The RHH Redevelopment is the State’s most complex health construction project.

It is delivering a state-of-the-art health facility for Tasmanians with more beds, more operating and procedure rooms and contemporary facilities.

Improved patient care and operating efficiencies will result because services will be provided in ‘precinct’ areas such as women’s, adolescents’ and children’s services; mental health services; medical services; and surgical services.

Fitout is well underway with the battening-out of walls and rough-in of services progressed to level 7.

It is a tremendous accomplishment with thanks to the Managing Contractor and their subcontractors, who have worked tirelessly to deliver Tasmania’s new health facility.

Solid performance from local subcontractors has proven the capacity of Tasmanian firms to compete on major construction projects.

Three local firms are playing a part in delivering the concrete-related works on K-Block.

Stephen Little Constructions Pty Ltd is delivering the $19.5 million subcontract for the concrete superstructure.

The Precasters Pty Ltd, is delivering the $4.6 million subcontract for the supply of precast concrete façade panels and shell beams.

Duggans Pty Ltd is delivering the $3.55 million subcontract for the supply of precast concrete walls, core panels and columns.

By the end of the year, the precast façade panels are due for completion and the completion of internal walls substantially progressed.

Disruption during construction projects is unavoidable and with fit-out scaling up, more truck and subcontractor movements can be anticipated.

Thank you again to patients, staff and neighbours of the RHH for their patience and support during construction.

The project remains on track to deliver Tasmania’s state-of-the-art health facility by mid-2019.

Background

The topping out tradition is thought to be of pre-Dark Ages Scandinavian origin where a tree branch was lifted to the top of the (wooden) building. It recognises the work of the construction team in reaching a major milestone.

RHH Redevelopment Achievements:

• $50 million in capital infrastructure that refurbished around 20 clinical and administrative spaces to support the decanting strategy that has allowed K-Block to be built.
• 54-bed inpatient facility in J-Block approved for longer-term use.
• Safe demolition and out of ground works to allow the laying of K-Block foundations.
• Commenced $30 million of sitewide infrastructure works that will upgrade ageing services and provide future capacity to the hospital.
• Completion of concrete structure of K-Block.

The RHH Redevelopment is a joint Australian and Tasmanian Government funded initiative.

The project’s Managing Contractor is a joint venture of John Holland a large Tier 1 contractor with extensive hospital construction experience, combined with experienced Tasmanian company, Fairbrother.

23 Aug 2018