Update

HOPLEY Demolition has been confirmed as the Bendigo company awarded a major demolition contract for the new Bendigo hospital development

Executive director of the new Bendigo Hospital David Walker said the project involved the clearing of the Barnard Street site.

“Works include asbestos removal and the demolition of the boiler house, chimney, commercial laundry and Ambulance Victoria building," he said.

“Other works include the removal of an in ground diesel tank on the Ambulance Victoria site, the removal of building foundations and redundant services and equipment."

Demolition works will begin in the coming months and is expected to be finished in October.

About 25 jobs will be created for the six-month project.

“We are delighted that a locally owned and operated company has demonstrated that they can offer specialist local knowledge, expertise and resources for this project," Mr Walker said.

Earlier

A BENDIGO contractor will receive a demolition contract for the new Bendigo hospital development.

New Bendigo hospital officials will announce the contract recipient at 10.30am today.

The Bendigo Advertiser spoke to a number of demolition companies yesterday.

Licensed demolition contractor Ken Hopley confirmed he had been in negotiations with hospital officials.

He said he was unable to comment further until a later date.

The contract is for the demolition of the former Loddon Linen Service’s buildings.

Bendigo Health chief executive officer John Mulder announced the impending closure of Loddon Linen in September last year.

Hospital officials last month announced Ballarat’s Eureka Linen had received the contract to replace Loddon Linen.

The Loddon Linen building will make way for the $630 million new hospital.

Loddon Linen lost a St John of God Bendigo contract in 2008 and a Royal Children’s Hospital contract in 2009, which combined were about a third of the service’s turnover.

The service had 46 permanent staff who have either opted for redundancy packages or been redeployed within Bendigo Health.

The state government is yet to announce the short list of bidders that are vying to build the hospital.

Contractors are preparing the site for work ahead of construction in December.