The Government is looking to move forward with plans to renovate and reopen a shuttered health clinic in Sandys.

The request for proposal, published recently on the government procurement website, sought bids from “suitably qualified and experienced” general contractors to carry out renovations and additions to the former Somerset Health Centre at Mangrove Bay.

“The general contractor shall supply all adequate and competent labour, supervision, tools and equipment, installed and consumable materials and every item of expense necessary to complete the construction project,” the RFP said.

The project would involve the removal of much of the interior of the existing building, along with the construction of an extension over a courtyard.

The extension would be used to house a reception and waiting area for the dental, medical and mental health offices inside.

The eastern portion of the site, which houses the Mangrove Bay Post Office, would not be altered.

The deadline for submissions is 3pm on November 29.

The Somerset Clinic was closed in 2017, but a planning application to revitalise the property was approved in 2022.

The 2022 planning application said: “The building is owned by the Government and has previously been used to deliver vital health services to the local community in the West End of the island.

“The clinic has been closed since 2017 and the Government wishes to refurbish and extend the building to provide modernised and expanded services to improve health outcomes in the community.”

The application noted that the location was ideal for such a service because it was on the main road and on bus routes, and could also be useful for healthcare workers in the West End.

“The location will provide an office hub for health workers in this community to complete their administrative work, providing improved and efficient work practices,” the application said.

In February last year, Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, revealed that $700,000 had been set aside to renovate the facility at Mangrove Bay, blaming its closure on “asbestos and the like”.

Ms Wilson said the clinic would provide a range of health services, including child immunisation and check-ups, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech services, sexual and reproductive health services, adult wellness clinics and mental health services.

She said at the time it was hoped that construction would begin this early this fiscal year.