:format(jpg):focal(545x417.5:555x407.5):watermark(cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ipmgroup/AUNLS2PQH5H3RP72VQ7AL72C4I.png,0,30,0,100)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ipmgroup/FB7QGUIOQJDDRAHVM2E5PWRJIE.jpg "EpiCURA hospital has opened its new car park in Ath")
A project with 300 places in 2017
Staff members, patients (for consultations), families of hospitalized persons and local residents have been facing serious difficulties for a long time. It took patience to see this development come to fruition.
The possibility of an underground car park (under the new wing built along rue Maria Thomée, for example), was ruled out by the hospital and another track was followed: that of creating a car park on a land located between the hospital and the rest home of Primevères, thanks to the collaboration of the CPAS of Ath. The investment amounts to €1.1 million. ÉpiCURA bought land (nearly 50 ares, €198,000) belonging to the CPAS to build this car park.
In 2017, planning permission had not been granted for the first project, which provided for 300 parking spaces.
During the launch of the work last September, François Burhin, Managing Director of EpiCURA, had made the topo on the question of parking.
“The old standard says that logically two parking spaces are needed per bed. We have 230 beds, so we need at least 450 spaces and even more because everything related to ambulatory activities is developing and bringing traffic. Some patients necessarily come accompanied. All these parameters must be taken into account. In the past, we have been able to conclude agreements with the City and also the SWDE, for example, to occupy car parks around the hospital. We can currently rely on 70 spaces at the SWDE car park, 70 around the hospital and 100 at the CEVA, not to mention the car park reserved for doctors opposite the CPAS. The new car park will therefore not be a luxury.
Open this Monday
“The new paid parking space has been available since Monday” announces EpiCURA. This car park has a capacity of 136 spaces.
“ÉpiCURA embarked on the development of new parking spaces at the end of summer 2021. After a few months of work, which did not impact patient circulation, the new parking space is now accessible. “
“It also has PRM spaces positioned at the roundabout, on the asphalted part. In order to facilitate access for PRMs and patients in general to the main entrance of the hospital, a new path has also been laid out towards Maria Thomée street.
“In addition, the new car park offers a shelter for 20 bicycles as well as a terminal for recharging electric bicycles. These facilities thus encourage the use of soft mobility, a major focus of EpiCURA’s sustainable development policy. “
” Located at the back of the hospital at the level of the land of the old heliport, the car park has been completely integrated into the landscape and truly designed to disturb the local residents as little as possible. It is thus vegetated with hedges and shrubs. The accesses (entrance and exit) are also located in such a way as to guarantee the tranquility of the residents of the Cité des Lilas.”
New wing soon to be occupied
In addition, the construction of a new wing is nearing completion, while in December 2020 the hospital inaugurated two new operating rooms. “Soon, the fittings of the new building will be finalized; the four current rooms of the operating theater will be completely renovated, and the reconditioning of the care units in the historic building will begin.”
“EpiCURA has worked on the construction of a modern, bright and functional extension. Covering an area of 10,000 m², the building is intended to accommodate the dialysis department, numerous additional consulting rooms, offices and premises techniques.”
“Despite some delays related to certain shortages of materials, the building is now well on the way to completion. This week, the move begins with the transfer of certain activities to the new wing. This will take place in several phases and should take end in a few months.”
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