Construction company Kier, along with Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside & Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT), have commenced construction on a new eye hospital in Sunderland, England, UK.

Kier, which is the project's principal contractor, is responsible for both design and construction. It will work with STSFT to deliver the healthcare facility.

The modern healthcare facility will strive to fulfil the increasing demands of the UK's ageing population. Currently, the trust's eye infirmary serves as a major supplier of eye care services in the country.

This new healthcare facility, which will provide innovative clinical areas, will be an important component of the overarching Sunderland Riverside regeneration project.

The ground and first levels of the property will include an emergency section along with medical retina services, diagnostic imaging, and outpatient care.

Levels two and three will house additional healthcare services while a new energy complex will be developed to the west of the site.

With street-level access to be provided on both sides of the building, all levels will be made conveniently accessible from the main entry and reception areas.

Kier has now finished the enabling and preparatory works programme for the development, with construction on the new hospital scheduled to be finished in early 2026.

Kier North & Scotland regional director Dan Doherty said: “This project will bring many benefits to the North East, including new local employment, apprenticeships, and work placements through our comprehensive and accomplished social value programme.”