Morgan Ashurst has been awarded a £2.2m contract to build an equine surgery and create an intensive care unit at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) Equine Referral Hospital in North Mymms, Hertfordshire.

The Equine Referral Unit cares for some of the most valuable race horses in the country, as well as other privately-owned animals.

The steel-framed surgery will house two treatment theatres, recovery boxes, offices and equipment stores.

A monorail hoist will allow staff to move horses easily from the surgery to the recovery areas.

The new building will be connected to the existing Large Animal Clinical Care Centre (LACC), where Morgan Ashurst is providing a mezzanine floor as well as additional examination and consulting rooms.

Morgan Ashurst is due to complete the project by January 2010.