As enabling work to prepare the site for construction of the multi-storey care park at CRH has come to an end, we hear from Service Performance Manager, Val Rigg, who has been a key part of progressing the work, on what has been happening behind the scenes.

Tell us about how you are involved in the work happening with the new multi-storey car park.

"I work really closely with Equans, our Estates providers at CRH, and part of my role is to liaise with colleagues on the work which is taking place on site, including notifying  them of any potential disruptions."

What has been happening since the car park closed?

"Since the car park was closed in August 2024 there has been such a lot taking place which might not be always visible! But this includes demolishing a Chemical Store and constructing a new dedicated substation for the MSCP which we will see go live in works taking place on the 13th, 15th and 16th March.

"We have relocated the Chemical Store which is used by Pathology as well as all the services enabling works to allow our car park contractors to take over and commence construction. In addition to this the existing substation  has been upgraded to facilities the new power demand."

The enabling works have finished – what did that involve?

"Put simply, and believe me it is far from simple! All the live services which ran beneath the car park, including data, telecommunications, drainage,  water, and power for the hospital have been diverted and moved to the border of the car park."

Why do enabling works take so long? 

"Diverting live services to an hospital takes a lot of planning to ensure the building function and service is not compromised. Services cannot be stopped easily, and temporary services must be put in place to facility the diversion and replacement.

"Other works need to be done through the night to minimise disruption. In particular with this enabling project the drainage system is 6 metres below ground which has involved a lot of excavation and temporary support works."

Why can’t you do enabling work at the same time as building the new car park?

"The enabling works are primarily below ground and are essential preparation and part of the car park. It is essential for all services to be diverted and repositioned around the new car park footprint to ensure that no services are compromised during construction and to ensure no services are built over for future maintenance. All this work needs to be completed in advance of the main works."

Building work on the new car park is due to start in the Spring and is due to be finished in summer 2026.

The new multi-storey car park is part of the Foundations for our Future programme, which is our long-term vision to transform our services in Calderdale and Huddersfield.