Plans for a new extension and a full refurbishment of the historic St Luke’s Hospital site in Armagh have emerged through a public tender, while the Southern Health and Social Care Trust has declined to provide further details.
The tender, published by the Department for Health on behalf of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, concerns accommodation block refurbishment at St Luke’s Hospital. It sets out a programme estimated to last four months and includes construction work to provide accessible ground-floor areas, including a new extension.
The proposed works also cover the general refurbishment of the entire building and external landscaping of the surrounding grounds. The deadline for tenders is August 28, with submissions due to be opened on the same date and the contract expected to be awarded shortly afterwards.
Trust declines to explain proposed works
Armagh I contacted the Southern Trust to ask what the project would involve, why it was needed and which services are currently based on the St Luke’s site. Questions were also raised about whether the extension could signal additional services moving there from another location, as well as the estimated cost and timeframe.
However, the Trust declined to answer. Its response said: “Due to the ongoing procurement process, we are unable to provide any further information at this point in relation to this tender.”
The tender follows the recent granting of listed building consent by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for an upgrade to low-voltage electrical works at the Hill House building, which sits just off the Loughgall Road.
Historic building included in electrical upgrade
A planning statement described Hill House as part of the historic St Luke’s Hospital estate, noting that the building retains original internal features, external masonry and heritage joinery.
It said the existing electrical installations were outdated and, in some areas, no longer met modern safety requirements. The statement said the low-voltage upgrade was essential to maintain safe occupation and continued use of the building.
The stated purpose of that project is to replace ageing electrical infrastructure that has reached the end of its serviceable life, improve safety and resilience, and ensure compliance with current electrical standards.
For now, the tender process is the only public indication of the wider accommodation block programme. Further information from the Southern Trust has not been provided while procurement remains ongoing.