‘Grenfell-linked’ firm sues hospital for 'over £4m' over deal collapse

AP

A sister company of the firm that oversaw Grenfell Tower refurbishments is suing an NHS hospital after the collapse of a potential £300 million contract.

On Monday, the High Court will begin considering a bid by Ryhurst to claim “in excess of £4 million” from The Whittington Hospital.

Ryhurst was set to redevelop its Archway site but the hospital put the deal on hold after the June 2017 blaze and it was formally abandoned in June 2018.

Ryhurst, part of the Rydon group that includes Grenfell contractor Rydon Maintenance, expected to earn up to “£300 million” from the 10-year contract.

It claims the decision was “a result of Rydon Maintenance’s involvement in Grenfell works”.

This is denied by the hospital, which says the decision to bring the work in-house was made after it won extra NHS funds.

But trust bosses knew they were at risk of court action, as Ryhurst believed it had been awarded the deal in November 2017 and ratified by NHS Improvement in February 2018.

Ryhurst wants the High Court to enforce the procurement contact or declare the hospital’s actions as unlawful and award damages.

Read more

London fire chief forced to quit after Grenfell families' complaints