New completion date set for Kirkwall's Kirkjuvagr House amid rising costs and delays.
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The construction of Kirkjuvagr House, Kirkwall’s new care home, has encountered substantial delays and budget overruns, pushing the expected completion date to September 8, 2023. This marks a staggering 14-month delay and an increase of £1.5 million over the initial estimated cost.
Originally slated for completion in June of the previous year, the project has faced a series of setbacks that have raised concerns among local officials and the community.
Understanding the delays
The delays in the Kirkjuvagr House project can be attributed to several factors.
Initially, the contractor, R Clouston Ltd, submitted an “extension of time claim” in February, prompting council officers to reassess the timeline. The report presented to Orkney’s Integration Joint Board outlined six key reasons for the delays, emphasizing the complexities involved in constructing a care home in the west of Kirkwall. These challenges have not only extended the timeline but have also contributed to rising costs.
Rising costs and budget concerns
The financial implications of the project have become a significant concern. The current estimated cost of the care home stands at £13.4 million, a stark increase from the original budget of £12.27 million. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the project will exceed the revised budget by an additional £325,000, bringing the total expected expenditure to approximately £13.7 million. During a recent meeting of the Integration Joint Board, officials were questioned about the source of funding for the overspend, with Chairwoman Rachael King confirming that the additional costs would be covered by the council, emphasizing that it ultimately involves public funds.
Future implications for care in Kirkwall
The new care home is being constructed to replace the aging St Rognvald’s care home and will feature a single-storey design with four wings, including en-suite bathrooms. There is also potential for future expansion with the addition of two more en-suite accommodation wings. As the project continues to face challenges, local officials have expressed the need for lessons to be learned to prevent similar issues in future projects. The community remains hopeful that once completed, Kirkjuvagr House will provide much-needed care facilities for the residents of Kirkwall.
