Galliford Try’s refurbishment of the Stonebow Unit has received high praise, earning a ‘Highly Commended’ recognition in the Refurbishment Project of the Year category at the Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estates Management (IHEEM) Awards.

The £12.6 million project, delivered by Galliford Try Building West Midlands and South West for the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, has significantly upgraded facilities for adult, older adult, and dementia patients. The refurbishment created 39 single en-suite bedrooms on the ground floor, providing patients with easy access to outdoor gardens, while freeing up the first floor for improved staff welfare spaces.

The refurbishment, designed by Design Buro, incorporated the latest innovations in care, presenting adaptable, interlinked wards tailored to patients’ needs and aligning with the Modernising the Mental Health Act 2018. The regulation aims to eliminate dormitory-style accommodation, supporting staff in creating spaces to meet the varied needs of adults, older adults, and those living with dementia.

Galliford Try delivered the scheme using its Millimetres Matter approach, a rigorous standard for quality, safety, and functionality in mental health environments. Key features include anti-ligature fittings, tamper-proof lighting, coordinated lighting and CCTV for better visibility, and Knauf Shaft Wall systems that maximise corridor space without compromising structural integrity.

The design also prioritised sustainability, with passive energy-saving measures such as solar control glazing, roof-mounted photovoltaics, and high thermal efficiency to reduce reliance on mechanical systems.

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