The Nova Scotia government says it has finalized an agreement to begin constructing a new 14-storey tower at a Halifax hospital site, with a total estimated cost of $7.4 billion.

The cost estimate under the agreement with Plenary PCL Health, includes $4.5 billion to construct the tower at the Halifax Infirmary and $2.9 billion over 30 years to operate and maintain the new building.

Officials say construction will begin in May with the building ready to receive its first patients in the fall of 20…