The dramatic collapse of Dundee building firm WH Brown Construction has led to the suspension of work on the community cafe being constructed at Adamson Hospital in Cupar, it has emerged.
The initial sod cutting ceremony was carried out in June by Cupar fundraiser Pete Cura and other project representatives.
At the latest meeting of Cupar Community Council, Mr Cura, the organisation’s health spokesman, said the movement of WH Brown into receivership meant work on the Adamson cafe had stopped.
He said NHS Fife needs to appoint a new contractor. Whilst funds are still available, he said it was unlikely the project would be finished in time for the original October 29 deadline.
Ernst & Young’s Derek Hyslop and Colin Dempster took charge of the West Pitkerro company and its subsidiary Bronco Timber Products last Monday, immediately shedding 130 jobs.
The general manager for NHS Fife’s Glenrothes and North East Fife Community Health Partnership, Vicky Irons, said: ”The community cafe is a separate project and has been funded from NHS Fife Endowment Funds and by local fundraising. While it is clear that the overall timescale for the opening of the cafe will be delayed, this has no impact on the official opening of the upgraded hospital and health centre, which is due to take place on October 29.
”The full financial impact will only be known once agreement has been reached with the joint receivers and an alternative contractor has been appointed to complete the project.
”Once NHS Fife has worked through the details, they will discuss plans for moving forward with local stakeholders who have worked hard to raise funds and support the completion of the community cafe.”