News / Bristol Heart Institute
Plans for cutting edge research facility in Bristol scrapped over escalating costs
Plans for a cutting edge cardiovascular research facility in Bristol have been shelved after the £8m cost swelled to nearly £11m.
The financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has left the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston Trust and the University of Bristol unable to commit further funding. A bid for support from the British Heart Foundation was unsuccessful.
The nature of the cardiovascular research unit at the Bristol Heart Institute meant cost savings were difficult without compromising the footprint and functionality of the building.
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A report to the UWBW Trust board meeting on Wednesday, January 27 said: “The combination of these factors has led the trust to regrettably conclude that the development is unable to proceed.
“Discussions will continue in terms of options for the future of the cardiovascular research unit and the space associated with the original scheme.”
The report said cardiac research was central to the trust’s research and innovation agenda and ensuring patients can continue to access leading edge interventions.
Staff at the Bristol Heart Institute. Photo: Rockhopper Media
A UHBW Trust spokesperson said: “The trust and university explored an option to move our existing cardiovascular research unit to a new purpose built facility on the trust site.
“Original proposals were drawn up in 2017 but new forecasted costs associated with the building work means that the proposals no longer represent value for money. As a result the decision was taken not to proceed with the relocation.
“Although this is disappointing, our cutting edge research continues in its current location and the unit remains among the country’s leading centres for investigating and developing new treatments and procedures for cardiovascular disease.”
A University of Bristol spokesperson added: “The university’s involvement in this project was to bring together cardiovascular research groups into improved accommodation.
“We’re disappointed that this joint project cannot now continue but we are committed to work with UHBW NHS Trust to develop alternative plans to make sure that our world leading cardiovascular research portfolio continues to grow.”
Main photo: Hack the Pandemic
Stephen Sumner is a local democracy reporter for North Somerset.
Read more: Bristol Heart Institute staff and patients feature in feature length documentary
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