Work is due to start on the multimillion pound redevelopment of the main entrance and retail area of the Southampton General Hospital, thanks to an innovative deal conceived by the hospital’s Commercial Estates Development Partnership (CEDP) – a joint venture between UHS and Interserve Prime.
The partnership, for up to 25 years, and worth around £150 m, involves UHS working with Interserve to secure funding for new development projects, and is also responsible for the design, building, and financing of new facilities, and for providing the Trust with a range of estates and support services.
The public-private deal – reportedly one of the first of its kind in an acute environment – will deliver a new welcome centre and a range of new retail and food and beverage outlets. Tenancies have already been confirmed for M&S Simply Food; M&S Café; Subway; Costa; WH Smith, and The Sock Shop. The new retail area is expected to be fully operational by January 2016.
