IHP, the Joint Venture between Sir Robert McAlpine and VINCI Construction UK, handed over the Step Down Unit (Phase 4) at Guild Park to the Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust.

The handover of the unit, named as Fallside, marks a key point in the completion of the facilities being built at Guild Park, near Preston.

IHP carried out a Medium Secure project in 2002 for the Trust and were awarded a further project under the ProCure 21 Framework in 2009, for a 30-bed Low Secure Unit. Following the completion of the Low Secure Unit, which was delivered under budget and ahead of programme with zero defect, IHP were awarded a further project in 2010 for a Step Down Unit. This project was handed to the Trust on the 7th October 2011, four weeks ahead of programme and again under budget.

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The Step Down Unit (Phase 4) comprises a 20-bed oval shaped facility that also contains five stand-alone apartments with a central courtyard, providing both security and visibility to ensure staff can monitor service users at all times yet provides freedom to have fresh air in a natural setting.

Heather Tierney-Moore, Chief Executive, Lancashire NHS Foundation Trust – commented: "The NHS often gets criticised for overrunning and overspending on new buildings. I am pleased to say that our Step Down unit demonstrates that projects such as this can be run to time and budget if the right people are in place to make it happen. I would like to pass on my personal thanks to all the staff and service users who have been involved in the development."

The Gain Share from the Low Secure Unit (Phase 3) funded an administration office which was constructed as part of the Phase 3 project.

Arden Yates, Contracts Manager, VINCI Construction UK Building Division – North, commented: "The success of the project has been based on the long standing working relationship between IHP and Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust and to the excellent team work and total commitment of all concerned."

(CD/GK)