The firm has just been announced as preferred contractor to design and build a new eye hospital on the Vaux West site and could now start construction in the spring.

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust and Sunderland City Council want to replace the existing 75-year-old centre with a new four-storey hospital, which has been designed by north east architects Ryder, with Turner & Townsend on board as project manager.

The Wearside eye hospital is set to open during 2024.

Funding for the development has been provided by the local authority and will be repaid by the Trust, and plans have been fully supported by the region’s NHS.

The 120,000 sq ft eye hospital will stand alongside The Beam; City Hall, which is nearing completion, and two further commercial properties that are being developed as part of Legal & General’s £100m commitment to the site.

Planned energy centre for the new eye hospital with brick wrap

An energy centre will be located to the west of the infirmary building, comprising transformers, emergency backup generator set, medical gas storage, pump room and cold water storage tanks.