New phase: Hospital Authority Chief Executive Shane Solomon signs the demolition contract with Vibro (HK) Director Tsui Wai-tim.

The redevelopment of Caritas Medical Centre has launched after the Hospital Authority today awarded a contract to demolish the centre's 30-year-old Wai Ming Block.

The site will be made available for building a new ambulatory and rehabilitation block which will accommodate 260 convalescent and rehabilitation beds, ambulatory care and clinical support facilities.

The $246.9 million contract also covers reprovisioning the Wai Tak Block lift tower. There will be a new rehabilitation garden, two bridges linking Wai Shun Block to the new block and Wai Oi Block, and infrastructural improvements to roads and utilities.

The entire phase-two redevelopment project will be completed in four-and-a-half years.