The country’s first NHS National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), based in Nottinghamshire, will soon open its doors to patients, heralding the beginning of a new era for rehabilitation. The NRC is a 70-bed, state-of-the-art specialist rehabilitation centre for NHS patients who have experienced a life-changing illness or injury and is run and staffed by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH). NUH has developed the transformative clinical model to be able to deliver more intensive treatments and rehabilitation earlier in a patient’s journey, and has created a bespoke workforce and relevant training to support this. The brand-new facility is co-located with the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) on the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate (SHRE) near Loughborough. The concept of establishing Defence and National Rehabilitation centres on a single site was that of the late 6th Duke of Westminster back in 2009 and he purchased the SHRE for the purpose.  At the same time the Black Stork Charity was specifically created to achieve the overall concept – not least by means of a successful funding campaign to raise the necessary £300m to create the Defence establishment and enable the National one. Capital funding for the construction of the NRC was provided by the government’s New Hospitals Programme, and the building is the NHS’s first operationally carbon neutral building, featuring solar panels on the roof of the NRC and four air source heat pumps in the adjacent energy centre. NHS patients at the NRC will benefit from: The NRC will primarily receive patients from across the East Midlands, many of them anticipated to come through the East Midland’s Major Trauma Centre – the busiest in the UK and based at NUH. The national aspect to the NRC is that it will lead rehabilitation research and innovation, as well as providing training and education through an NRC Academy, all in collaboration with a consortium of 26 Universities throughout England. Patients at the NRC will have the opportunity to take part in research during their stay, with the aim of significantly reducing the time between identifying effective new treatments and them benefitting patients. Clinical staff will also all be encouraged to take part in research and educational activity. What happens at the NRC is anticipated to be of international significance too – the research, innovation and evolution in rehabilitation technology and treatment is anticipated to be global in its impact and future potential. The long-term ambition for the NRC is to be the national ‘hub’ in a future ‘hub and spoke’ model, or a single model multi-site service, with regional rehabilitation units (‘spokes’) established across the country to widen impact and benefit as many patients as possible. Anthony May, Chief Executive of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We are proud to be at the point of preparing to open the doors of this pioneering facility to our first patients. The difference the NRC will make to patients and families cannot be underestimated.” “The NRC has been 15 years in the making. I should like to thank all those who have been involved for their perseverance, dedication and determination to make it a reality. I should like to pay a particular tribute to the Black Stork Charity for their considerable and unwavering support since the vision for the Centre was first conceived.” “This is a significant moment for NUH, for rehabilitation medicine in this Country, and for the many NHS patients whose lives will be changed and restored in this groundbreaking facility, set in a unique location. “Moreover, the innovation, research and knowledge generated from the NRC will help develop rehabilitation nationally and internationally.” Miriam Duffy, NRC Director and physiotherapist, said: “I am delighted that we are on the verge of opening the first NHS NRC and beginning the journey of transforming the way we provide rehabilitation in this country. “The impact of timely and effective rehabilitation lasts a lifetime and can be the difference to enable someone returning to the home, work, family and hobbies that they love. “By taking inspiration and learning from other rehabilitation centres across the globe, we are confident that we have delivered the very best rehabilitation facility where our dedicated and motivating staff will work with researchers and innovators to give our patients back their independence and the best quality of life possible. “However, this is just the beginning, and the NRC is much more than just a building. Our aim is to revolutionise rehabilitation across the country so that every NHS patient who suffers a life-changing illness or injury receives the best rehabilitation possible and the best chance to return to living an independent and fulfilling life.” Mark Preston, Chairman of The Black Stork Charity said: “Fifteen years ago, the 6th Duke of Westminster decided to improve the rehabilitation facilities for members of the Armed Forces and, at the request of the Defence Secretary, to extend such provision to the nation as well.  His action is why the new National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) building is about to take patients – and that is a very good outcome and NUH has done well to get to this point.  “I think we can all be sure that the NRC will bring huge benefits – in this case for the East Midlands region.  It promises to return many people to work and life in a way which is currently not the case, bringing in its wake improvements to the national workforce and the economy.  “This approach is novel and will need proving in the next couple of years and, if proven, Government should look to such provision across the country in the ‘hub and spoke’ way that is common in the NHS.  The Charity and NUH will, together, do all in our power to ensure that this is the case.” Minister of State for Health Karin Smyth said: “This brand-new, state-of-the-art facility, backed by £105 million of government money, will transform care for patients who need specialist rehabilitation support. “The National Rehabilitation Centre embodies the future of the NHS: community-based care, digital innovation,

Plans for a major new clinical building at Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax have been approved, paving the way for construction to begin in summer 2026. Laing O’Rourke’s proposal marks a key milestone in a £200 million programme to upgrade healthcare facilities across the region. The new development will deliver a state-of-the-art hospital building featuring separate emergency departments for adults and children, along with eight new wards. Completion is expected in 2029. The scheme received reserved matters approval from Calderdale Council, confirming the design, appearance, layout, and landscaping details. This approval represents one of the final planning hurdles for the long-term redevelopment of the hospital estate. Designed to reflect Halifax’s architectural character, the new building will integrate seamlessly with existing facilities while embracing modern sustainability principles. It is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating, underpinned by high energy efficiency, low waste, and biodiversity measures. Laing O’Rourke, which was appointed to lead the design and planning in 2024, has placed sustainability and modern construction techniques at the core of its approach. Project leader Christopher Northwood said the firm would use modern methods of construction to minimise carbon impact and accelerate delivery. Preparatory works, including essential upgrades to power and water services, are due to start in the coming months ahead of main construction activity next summer. The project forms part of Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust’s wider Foundations for our Future programme, which aims to transform hospital and community healthcare services across the region. Once complete, the redeveloped Calderdale Royal Hospital will offer expanded capacity, improved patient flow, and modern facilities designed to support high-quality, sustainable care. The new building is set to become a landmark within Halifax, blending local architectural heritage with cutting-edge clinical design. It will create improved environments for patients and staff while supporting the Trust’s goal of providing more resilient and sustainable healthcare infrastructure for the future. With planning approval now secured, Laing O’Rourke’s focus will shift towards finalising design and procurement activities, readying the site for construction in mid-2026. The project is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy, supporting jobs and skills development throughout the build phase and beyond. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A major investment in local healthcare has been unveiled with the completion of a new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at Northgate Hospital, designed to improve access to scanning and diagnostic services for communities across East Norfolk and Waveney. The £8 million redevelopment, delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction’s Eastern Counties team, was commissioned by the James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (JPUH) and procured through the Pagabo construction framework. The project has transformed the hospital’s former Cranbrook Building into a state-of-the-art facility offering a CT scanner, cardiac and lung diagnostics, and multiple consultation and treatment rooms. By repurposing an existing structure rather than building anew, the Trust has reduced both costs and carbon impact. The centre welcomed its first patients in late April after the early completion of the CT scanner area and main reception. By August, additional diagnostic services came online as new consultation spaces opened. The final construction phase — a new drainage system — was completed in September. To create the CDC, Morgan Sindall undertook a full strip-back and refurbishment of the two-storey building. The structure was reinforced with new internal supports before being completely refitted with modern floors, walls, doors and a new mechanical and electrical system. Three extensions were built to accommodate the CT scan room and control area, a plant room, and a new fire escape stairwell. The roof was retiled and insulated, and energy-efficient windows and systems were installed to make the facility more sustainable and cost-effective to run. The redeveloped building features: New staff areas and offices mirror the layout and design of James Paget University Hospital, ensuring a familiar environment for clinical teams who work across both sites. Given the age of the Cranbrook building, Morgan Sindall applied its Intelligent Solutions approach to deliver temporary works and structural alterations that allowed for open floor plans and efficient construction. By retaining and upgrading the existing building, the Trust reduced embodied carbon and future energy use. Modern insulation, high-performance materials, and efficient systems will keep operational costs down while supporting NHS sustainability goals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has started works for a new purpose-built family contact centre in Worksop, providing vital support services for vulnerable children, young people, and families across the county. The modern, energy-efficient facility is being designed, project, and cost managed by Arc Partnership, a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE, and is expected to be complete by summer 2026. The new centre, which was procured under the SCAPE Regional Construction framework will offer a significantly improved setting for supervised contact visits, safeguarding and educational services, including private contact rooms, two conference rooms, kitchen facilities and a secure outdoor play area, creating a calm and welcoming environment for families and professionals. The development, which replaces an outdated bungalow accommodation building, will be a single storey steel frame structure, with external brick walls. Landscaping and car parking will also be included in the scheme. The building will boast a number of features that reduce electricity demand from the grid and improve energy security for the Council.  The building will feature 25m2 of photovoltaic panelling to locally generate electricity, a high-performance building fabric and high efficiency mechanical and electrical plant, including air source heat pumps, contributing to Nottinghamshire County Council’s wider strategy of investing in sustainable, modern public service buildings that are cost efficient to run. Andy Sewards, Group Chairman at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are proud to be working alongside Arc Partnership and Nottinghamshire County Council on this vital project that will positively impact the lives of families across the county. The new facility will not only provide a safe, secure, and comfortable space for children and families, but it’s also being constructed with energy-efficiency and long-term sustainability in mind. As a local contractor, we are equally pleased to be providing social value initiatives within the community and employment and apprenticeship opportunities for young people, helping develop future talent in the local construction industry.” Martha Constantinou, Technical Apprentice at G F Tomlinson, said: “As part of my apprenticeship with G F Tomlinson, working on the new family contact centre in Worksop has been a great learning experience and has really helped me to understand how a project comes together on site. It’s been rewarding to be involved in something that will make such a difference to the local community, and I hope it gives families and vulnerable young people the same chance for support and opportunity that I’ve had through my apprenticeship.” Councillor Mick Barton, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Supporting the most vulnerable children, young people and families in our community is a key priority. This new space will provide essential services in a much better environment and the chance to meet with social workers in a welcoming and calm place to help put everyone more at ease. “The new, fit-for-purpose building with a secure play area is vital, and only a stone’s throw away from the current location. As the contact centre will use less energy because of the way it has been designed, we’ll save money on bills and this investment is also good news for the local supply chain, as there’ll be many contract opportunities to help get the building fully ready.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has been appointed to deliver a major new extension at the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, located at the University of Nottingham’s University Park Campus – a facility that will soon house the most powerful MRI scanner in the UK. Working in partnership with the University of Nottingham, the project will see the construction of a highly specialised extension to accommodate a new 11.7 Tesla Ultra High Field MRI scanner – a 70-tonne, state-of-the-art system that will enhance the UK’s capability for world-leading brain imaging research. The building project commenced in July 2025, and a ‘first look’ ceremony was officially held on 15 October. This was attended by Director of the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre and project lead, Professor Richard Bowtell, Pro-Vice Chancellor for the Faculty of Science, Professor Zoe Wilson and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange Professor Tom Rodden from the University of Nottingham and representatives from G F Tomlinson. The extension is due for completion in January 2027, with works carefully phased to minimise disruption to staff, students and the wider campus community. Once operational, the new facility will offer vital insight into human brain function and play a pivotal role in strengthening national research into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The scheme, totalling 250 sq. metres, will create a new Magnet Hall – an iron-shielded space designed to safely contain the magnetic field generated by the new scanner. Surrounding infrastructure will include a control and equipment room, clinical spaces, patient waiting areas and essential welfare facilities to provide a comprehensive clinical and research environment. The highly complex nature of the project includes the integration of the 70-tonne magnet, substantial reinforcement of the floor slab to support both the magnet and its iron shield, and precise tolerances required for the installation of sensitive imaging equipment. Designed in collaboration with the University’s leading academics, magnet supplier Tesla Engineering and scanner supplier Philips Healthcare, the iron shielding has been engineered and installed by IMEDCO, ensuring precise containment of the magnet’s powerful field. G F Tomlinson’s appointment marks the continuation of a successful partnership with the University of Nottingham that spans over 20 years. Previous schemes include the Biodiscovery Institute, and Advanced Manufacturing Building and the contractor is currently delivering projects across three of the University’s campuses, including the Hydrogen Propulsion Systems Lab at Jubilee Campus, alongside the Clinical Training Centre roof replacement at University Park. As with previous schemes on live campuses, G F Tomlinson will implement strict management and liaison protocols to ensure health, safety, and continuity of academic operations. While not subject to BREEAM, the scheme incorporates some sustainable practices, including the reuse of existing roof tiles and stone found on-site. A bespoke social value action plan is being developed in collaboration with the University, focusing on student engagement through site tours, work experience opportunities, and industry exposure for local families and academic staff. The scheme has been developed by a specialist project team including the University of Nottingham, project manager – EDGE, architect, principal designer and structural engineer – William Saunders, M&E engineers – Mellor Bromley Mechanical and Morecroft Electrical, and cost consultant (PQS) – AtkinsRéalis. Andy Sewards, Group Chairman, G F Tomlinson, said: “It’s a privilege to once again be supporting the University of Nottingham in delivering a facility that will have a lasting legacy in clinical research. Having previously completed landmark schemes such as the Biodiscovery Institute, we are proud to be working once again at University Park Campus – as well as delivering projects across the University’s Castle Meadow and Jubilee Campuses. “The Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre extension will become a cornerstone of medical excellence in the UK, and we’re pleased to be contributing our expertise to such a nationally significant facility.” The new national scanning facility is being funded through the UKRI Infrastructure Fund. The UKRI Infrastructure Fund supports the facilities, equipment and resources that are essential for researchers and innovators to do ground-breaking work and will help to create a long-term pipeline of research and innovation infrastructure investment priorities for the next 10 to 20 years. Professor Richard Bowtell, Director of the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre is leading the project and said: “It’s a huge moment to see the building starting to take shape after months of meticulous planning for this complex project and we’re delighted to be working with GF Tomlinson. “We’re extremely proud to be building on Sir Peter’s Mansfield’s legacy that started here with the invention of MRI in the 1970’s. The Ultra-High field scanner is the next generation in technology and will provide a step change in the capabilities of imaging research, opening up new opportunities for collaboration and innovation to bring new understanding to a range of diseases.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Main construction has begun on Derriford Hospital’s new Emergency Care Building, the first scheme in Wave 1 of the Government’s New Hospital Programme to move from enabling works to full build. Procured under ProCure23 with Mace, the £140m four-storey facility will double urgent and emergency capacity for University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and is due to open in 2028/29. The project replaces the hospital’s 1970s emergency department with a modern care hub designed around faster pathways, co-located diagnostics and better staff amenities. At ground level, a new Emergency Department will expand majors, resus and assessment capacity, while the reconfigured existing ED will become a dedicated paediatric emergency department on completion. The first floor will house a Same Day Emergency Care unit to support rapid admission, treatment and discharge, easing bed pressure across the wider estate. Upper floors concentrate high-acuity services and imaging. Plans include four interventional radiology theatres, five surgical theatres for both emergency and planned procedures, new imaging suites, recovery areas and improved staff facilities. The extension will be connected into the live hospital to maintain clinical adjacencies while minimising patient transfers, crucial for a site that serves as the major trauma centre for the South West peninsula. Marking the milestone, programme director Stuart Windsor said: “It has been a long journey to get to today, but we will now finally see the new Emergency Care Building start to rise from the ground.” Willmott Dixon director Rob Woolcock added: “This represents not just the beginning of a building, but the next step in enhancing the care and wellbeing of thousands of patients every year… a modern, purpose-built environment designed to support both patients and staff.” Beyond clinical capacity, the scheme targets regional skills and supply-chain benefits. Through its Building Lives Academy, Willmott Dixon will create apprenticeships, employment support and training, with a focus on sourcing materials and labour locally across the South West. The contractor’s healthcare track record includes the £30m regeneration of Barnes Hospital in London and the £150m redevelopment of Springfield University Hospital in Wandsworth. For designers and delivery teams, the brief reflects current NHS priorities: future-proofed floorplates, clear wayfinding, robust infection-control strategies, and resilient MEP with space for emerging technologies. With ground broken in Plymouth, Wave 1 now has a live benchmark for how the New Hospital Programme intends to modernise emergency care while driving social value in host communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has officially commenced construction on the new £7 million Bentley Primary Care Centre in Doncaster, which will bring vital health and community services all under one roof. Located on Chapel Street in the heart of Bentley, the new three-storey, 1,215m² care centre will provide purpose-built, modern facilities to support integrated healthcare delivery for City of Doncaster Council. Funding for the construction is provided by NHS England, with NHS South Yorkshire ICB providing revenue for the building once complete. Set to complete in spring 2026, the centre will bring together two existing GP practices – Don Valley Healthcare and The Ransome Practice – offering state-of-the-art facilities for the future delivery of Primary Care services, greater access and choice for patients, and enhanced integration of NHS and services. The scheme also aligns with the ‘NHS Long Term Plan,’ a 10-year strategy to improve and reform the NHS over the next decade, harnessing digital technology to improve the efficiency of primary care. The scheme is being developed on the site of the former Bentley Community Library, which has already been demolished to make way for the new care centre. G F Tomlinson as the main contractor is undertaking the design and construction of the steel-framed building, which will feature a mix of brickwork and cladding on its façade, along with associated external works to complete the scheme. As part of their commitment to social value, G F Tomlinson will deliver a number of initiatives throughout the project, including apprentice placements, work experience for local students, engagement with local Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise’s (VCSE’s) and use of local supply chain. The care centre will be delivered to a BREEAM Excellent rating, with sustainability features including rooftop photovoltaic panels, electric vehicle charging points, and integrated bird and bat boxes within the façade. Adrian Grocock, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We’re very pleased to be working with City of Doncaster Council on this much-needed care facility for the Bentley community. As our first project with the council, we’re excited to build a strong working relationship, while further strengthening our healthcare portfolio, having recently delivered successful schemes such as Greenwood House Medical Centre in Stafford and West Bridgford Medical Centre in Nottingham.” Anthony Fitzgerald, Executive Place Director for Doncaster, NHS South Yorkshire said: “This development is brilliant news for the Bentley area and surrounding communities. A new state of the art primary care centre will ensure our communities are serviced by the best possible, efficient healthcare which meets their needs.” Councillor James Church, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Public Health at City of Doncaster Council said: “We are delighted to see work begin on this project, which will allow for the Bentley community to receive local healthcare easier and more efficiently than ever. Accessing healthcare more efficiently has many benefits, with none more important than residents being able to access healthcare right in the heart of their local community. This is a must for all communities, and it is brilliant news that this local project is now underway.” Further stakeholders involved in the scheme include P+HS Architects, Sewell Advisory as project manager, and Bridges Pound as structural, civil, and geotechnical engineer. NHS South Yorkshire ICB and two GP practices are also key stakeholders. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals