Workers celebrate with rooftop barbecue as CBD skyline hits new heights

HOBART’S CBD has a new tallest building following the completion of the concrete structure of the Royal Hobart Hospital’s K Block.

More than 500 construction workers gather on the top of the Royal Hobart Hospital K-Block after the main concrete structure was completed this week.

HOBART’S CBD has a new tallest building following the completion of the concrete structure of the Royal Hobart Hospital’s K Block.

A helipad, included after the original approval, took the block to 68.5m and past the 57m NAB House building.

The $689 million hospital redevelopment is on track with construction workers taking to the K Block roof to celebrate.

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More than 500 subcontractors and staff of the managing contractor marked the “topping out” achievement with a barbecue and drone photo.

The building’s fit-out has also begun with wall frames and the rough-in of services installed up to level seven.

Workers celebrate with a barbecue and “topping out” ceremony on the Royal Hobart Hospital K Block’s roof after the main concrete structure was completed this week.

Health Minister Michael Ferguson said the solid performance from the three local subcontractors has proven the capacity of Tasmanian firms to compete on major construction projects.

“It is delivering a state-of-the-art health facility for Tasmanians, with more beds, more operating and procedure rooms, and contemporary facilities,” he said.

“This will result in improved patient care and operating efficiencies because services will be provided in precinct areas.”

But the completion of the hospital works has been far from smooth sailing after issues with mould and asbestos in 2016 set the project back about six months.

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An artist’s impression of the K Block redevelopment as seen from Campbell St.

Earlier this month Hobart City Council voted to keep the $22 million temporary J Block for an extra five years – until 2025 – to accommodate the redevelopment of existing wards and other refurbishments.

The height of K Block has also been hotly contested with Hobart not Highrise group president Brian Corr previously stating it would be used as a justification or a benchmark for other developments.

The redevelopment has been jointly funded by the state and federal governments.

The project is now due for completion by mid-2019.

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