NHSFife reveals timescale for demolition of empty buildings at two hospitals
Demolition work on unused buildings at a Fife hospital is set to get underway this autumn.
The empty properties are at Cameron Hospital in Windygates and Stratheden Hospital, near Cupar.
NHS Fife recently secured planning permission from Fife Council to start the work, and contractors will move into place later this year.
The demolition programme is expected to begin at Cameron Hospital in autumn, with work at Stratheden due to follow. At Cameron, the initial phase will include Cameron House, the former hospital administration building and former Wards 8, 9 and 10.
At Stratheden, Sringfield House and the former Wards 5 to 13 building have been identified for demolition during the first phase of works.
The health authority said the buildings have not been used operationally for a number of years, with many having deteriorated significantly making them increasingly difficult and costly to maintain. It said their removal will improve safety and security across both sites while creating opportunities for future development and environmental improvements.
Demolition will also reduce health and safety risks, deter trespassing and anti-social behaviour, and remove ongoing maintenance costs.
Listed buildings at both hospital sites are not included within the demolition programme and are being retained.
Neil McCormick, director of property and asset management at NHS Fife, said: "Many people across Fife will have strong memories of these buildings and the important role they played in the care of local communities over many years.
“However, these buildings are now vacant, have deteriorated significantly and are no longer suitable for modern healthcare use, nor as office space.
"Demolishing these buildings will improve safety and security, reduce the cost of maintaining unused property and create opportunities to consider how these sites could support future healthcare, environmental and sustainability objectives.
“Importantly, these works do not affect services currently operating at either Cameron or Stratheden Hospital."
As part of the project, efforts are underway to capture and preserving elements of the sites' history through photography, video and archive material before demolition work begins.
Further information about the demolition programme, including timescales and arrangements for local communities, will be shared in advance of work starting on site