JJ Rhatigan has been appointed to deliver the first phase of a major new housing development at the former London Chest Hospital site in Bethnal Green, marking a significant milestone in the long-awaited regeneration of the historic East London location. The contractor secured the £32m design and build contract following a competitive four-way tender process involving Lovell, Graham and Formation Design & Build. The project is being delivered for Bonner Road LLP, linked to Clarion Housing Group’s development arm, Latimer, and forms the opening phase of a wider masterplan that will transform the former hospital site into a new mixed-tenure residential neighbourhood. The initial phase will provide 76 affordable homes across two residential blocks, alongside associated landscaping and public realm works. The homes are expected to focus heavily on social rent provision, forming a key part of the development’s affordable housing strategy. Overall, the wider scheme will deliver 274 homes, with 50% affordable housing measured by habitable room. Construction is expected to commence from June, with works scheduled to continue through to February 2031. Designed by architects AHMM, the masterplan combines new-build housing with the restoration of several important heritage assets on the site, including the Grade II-listed main hospital building, Sanitary Tower and South Wing. All three buildings are currently included on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. Alongside the refurbishment of the historic structures, the wider regeneration plans include five new residential buildings ranging from five to nine storeys, as well as new community space and extensive landscaping. A key part of the proposals is the opening of the former hospital grounds to the public for the first time in almost a decade. Plans include more than 1,100 sq m of open space, a new public square off St James’ Avenue and the restoration of the site’s historic formal lawn. The development will also protect one of the East End’s most notable natural landmarks — a veteran Mulberry tree believed to be among the oldest in the area — which will remain preserved in its original location. The project represents another major step in East London’s ongoing regeneration pipeline, combining affordable housing delivery with heritage restoration and enhanced public realm investment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Ten major contractors have been selected to partner with NHS trusts as the Government pushes ahead with the first wave of its £14bn New Hospital Programme. The long-awaited Wave 1 projects form a key part of the wider £60bn national hospital investment strategy and will focus heavily on replacing ageing healthcare buildings, particularly those affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). Among the successful firms, Skanska emerged as the standout contractor after securing roles on two separate schemes – the rebuild of James Paget Hospital in Great Yarmouth and the redevelopment of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn. The first phase includes seven hospitals impacted by RAAC, which were prioritised after safety reviews concluded that the buildings could not continue operating safely beyond 2030 without major intervention. These schemes are now being accelerated under the Government’s revised delivery timetable. All seven RAAC projects will be fully rebuilt using the Government’s standardised Hospital 2.0 model, a platform-based approach designed to improve efficiency, reduce construction costs and speed up delivery across the NHS estate. The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed that formal contracts are expected to be signed during the summer, with construction activity anticipated to begin during 2027 and 2028. The line-up of contractors reflects a broad mix of established healthcare and major infrastructure specialists. Graham will deliver Airedale General Hospital in Keighley, while Sacyr UK has been paired with Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey. Kier will take on Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon and Integrated Health Projects has been selected for Leighton Hospital in Mid-Cheshire. Elsewhere, Dragados will oversee West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds, while Laing O’Rourke has secured the Hillingdon Hospital scheme in London. Morgan Sindall has been linked with Milton Keynes University Hospital, Bovis with North Manchester General Hospital and Willmott Dixon with the new Women and Children’s Hospital project in Cornwall. The programme represents one of the largest healthcare construction pipelines currently planned in the UK and is expected to generate significant opportunities across the supply chain as projects move towards delivery. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Our future hospitals are quickly becoming a reality, with groundwork now officially underway on the new £12.8 million Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at Leicester Royal Infirmary. The site has been set up, hoardings are in place, and excavation has begun to prepare the foundation area for the new facility – a visible and exciting step forward for the project. This marks a significant milestone in improving urgent care services for patients across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. The new UTC was announced in December 2025 and is expected to open in 2027. It will replace the existing Minor Injuries and Minor Illnesses (MIaMI) unit and will provide a modern, purpose-built environment designed around the needs of patients requiring same-day treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. Richard Mitchell, Chief Executive, said: “The start of groundwork on our new Urgent Treatment Centre is a really important and exciting moment for our Trust and for local communities. Seeing activity on site brings this investment to life and demonstrates our commitment to improving urgent care. This new facility will support our colleagues and significantly improve the experience for patients when they need us most.” As work gets underway, patients, visitors, and colleagues will begin to see changes across the Leicester Royal Infirmary site. The new Urgent Treatment Centre forms part of our future hospitals programme, which is focused on modernising hospital facilities and ensuring services are fit for the future. It will complement the £39m of funding secured in December last year from the national New Hospital Programme. This will fund essential enabling works to start this year, including the relocation of services such as the hearing and balance service from the Knighton Street campus to the East Midlands Planned Care Centre in early 2027. These works will support plans for a new Women’s and Children’s Hospital, with building expected to start in 2032. It is expected to bring maternity, neonatal, gynaecology and children’s services together into a single, state‑of‑the‑art building.  Natalie Forrest, Chief Programme Officer of the New Hospital Programme said: “It’s great to see work starting on site at Leicester Royal Infirmary, marking real progress for local patients and communities. This new Urgent Treatment Centre will provide a modern, purpose-built space that supports faster, more effective care closer to home. We’re proud to be working with local partners to deliver facilities that meet the needs of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland now and into the future.” Dr Saad Jawaid, Consultant in Emergency and Pre-hospital Emergency Medicine at UHL, said: “The new Urgent Treatment Centre will give us a purpose-built space that reflects how urgent care is delivered today. It will help us improve patient flow, provide care in a more appropriate environment and deliver a better overall experience for patients.” The UTC builds on a period of significant investment across our hospitals over the past 12 months, including the East Midlands Planned Care Centre and Endoscopy Unit at Leicester General Hospital, the Preston Lodge rehabilitation unit in North Evington, and the Hinckley Community Diagnostic Centre. These developments are helping to deliver world‑class services closer to where patients live, supporting improved access to care, and contributing to the Government’s 10‑year plan for the NHS. Construction work is being delivered by Henry Brothers, one of the UK’s leading construction companies, with further updates to be shared as the project progresses. Ian Taylor, managing director of Henry Brothers, said: “Breaking ground on this new Urgent Treatment Centre marks a significant milestone. We’re proud to be working at the forefront of the health construction sector, helping to bring a vital and inspiring community resource to fruition. Once complete, these facilities will make a real difference to how local people access urgent care close to home.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Liverpool City Council has approved plans for a new nature-led public garden on the former Royal Liverpool University Hospital site, marking the first project from BAM UK & Ireland’s exclusive collaboration with the Eden Project. The scheme will deliver a publicly accessible green space featuring native planting, trees and wildlife-friendly elements, alongside new walking and cycling routes. Designed to support healing and quiet reflection, the biophilic landscape focuses on predominantly native species to attract pollinators and promote long-term ecological health. BAM UK & Ireland has worked with NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool and the Eden Project to embed nature-positive principles into a forward-looking healthcare environment. Mark Gibson said: “Our collaboration with the Eden Project and our partnership with NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool allows us to create something truly special for the city. This project shows how natural landscapes can play a central role in improving health and wellbeing. Receiving planning approval marks an important step and we look forward to bringing this vision to life.” James Sumner, Chief Executive of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, said: “We are pleased to be part of this fantastic partnership between BAM, the Eden Project, and the New Hospital Programme. This green space will be a valuable addition to the ongoing development of our hospital site and will be a huge benefit to our patients, visitors, staff, and the local environment.” Dan James, Commercial Director of Eden Project, said: “We’re delighted to see this project receive planning approval. We look forward to working with BAM and the NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool to demonstrate how nature can play a central role in supporting health and wellbeing, creating spaces that are restorative, inclusive, and rich in biodiversity.” Intended as a model for healthcare settings, the project will provide an accessible, biodiverse environment to bolster both emotional and physical wellbeing. It will also create opportunities for community participation, education and volunteering, with the Eden Project shaping programmes that help residents explore the role of nature in health. Construction is due to begin after final preparatory work. Delivery partners have pledged close engagement with local stakeholders, including clear communication with nearby residents, collaboration with community groups and ongoing oversight to ensure the space meets long-term community needs. The Royal Liverpool Hospital nature garden is expected to set a benchmark for integrating natural environments into major public infrastructure, creating places that are both attractive and beneficial for generations to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Contractor Henry Brothers Construction, headquartered in Magherafelt, has started work on a project to expand the Stroke Unit at Lincoln County Hospital. The £1.9m scheme – the first of two phases – includes the reconfiguration of Navenby Ward to increase capacity at the Stroke Unit. Two five-bay wards will be merged into a single Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU), with layout changes to ancillary compartments, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing modernisation. The existing ward will be given a refresh with new joinery, floors, doors, decoration, ceiling and lights. MD of Henry Brothers Construction Ian Taylor said: “We are very pleased to have begun work on this project at Lincoln County Hospital which will improve patient services and provide a more attractive place for hospital staff to work. “Henry Brothers Construction is currently delivering a number of healthcare schemes for hospitals across the East Midlands, and has recently completed a new Endoscopy Unit in Leicester. We are extremely proud to play a part in supporting our local hospitals as they enhance their buildings and facilities to deliver even better care for patients.” United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust appointed Henry Brothers Construction to the project under the Pagabo Refit and Refurbishment Framework. Other team members involved in phase one of the refurbishment include Day Architectural, who are providing architectural, project management and quantity surveying services, and DSSR, who are undertaking the mechanical and electrical engineering services. Following refurbishment of Navenby Ward, phase two of the scheme will begin on refurbishing the existing Stroke Unit. Henry Brothers Construction is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit out. In partnership with its valued clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors. For more information, visit henrybrothers.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A major £65 million redevelopment of Lynfield Mount Hospital has been approved for construction after receiving Full Business Case sign-off from the Department of Health and Social Care. The project, led by P+HS Architects in partnership with offsite manufacturer McAvoy, will now move into the build phase following the funding green light. The redevelopment will transform the hospital into a modern mental health facility, combining the refurbishment of existing wards with the construction of a new modular two-storey ward block. Plans include upgrading bedrooms to provide 100% en-suite accommodation, alongside improved clinical spaces, therapeutic environments and staff facilities. The scheme has been developed in collaboration with Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, with a focus on patient wellbeing. Design features include increased natural light, access to outdoor space and layouts aimed at supporting recovery and delivering high-quality care. Therese Patten, Chief Executive of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is an important milestone for the Trust and for the people who rely on our mental health services. The redevelopment of the central block will bring significant improvements to Lynfield Mount Hospital, to create a facility that supports the recovery and wellbeing of service users, and a better working environment for staff. “We have worked closely with staff, patients, families, carers and partners to develop our plans and ensure that the redeveloped site can support the needs of our local communities for years to come. “We are delighted to have received this final stage of approval as it gives us the go ahead to start making our exciting vision a reality.” The project also aligns with wider NHS priorities, including sustainability and long-term value, and is designed to meet modern environmental standards. Cath Lake, Director and Mental Health Lead at P+HS Architects, said: “This project represents a significant step forward in the design of forward thinking, therapeutic mental healthcare environments. Funding approval from the Department of Health and Social Care reflects the strength of the clinical vision and the collaborative approach taken by the Trust and project team. We’re proud to be working alongside Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust to help create a facility that supports recovery, wellbeing for patients and staff.” Stephen Clayton, Preconstruction Director at McAvoy, added: “Achieving funding approval from the Department of Health and Social Care marks a significant step forward in the creation of new high-quality mental healthcare facilities for the Bradford community. The modular approach supports the creation of a flexible, therapeutic environment which will be delivered efficiently and with minimal disruption. We are committed to working alongside the Trust and project partners to ensure this facility is delivered to the highest standards without delay.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A major healthcare redevelopment scheme in Bradford has secured £65 million in business case approval from the Department of Health and Social Care, paving the way for a significant upgrade to mental health facilities at Lynfield Mount Hospital. The project combines refurbishment and new-build elements, with plans to modernise existing wards while introducing a new two-storey extension. The scheme has been designed by P+HS Architects, with offsite specialist McAvoy appointed to deliver the build programme. Central to the development is the refurbishment of bedrooms across two wards, where en-suite facilities will be introduced to improve patient privacy and comfort. Alongside this, the new modular building will expand capacity and provide modern, purpose-designed clinical space aligned with current healthcare standards. The design has been shaped through close collaboration with service users, alongside clinical and estates teams from Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust. A strong emphasis has been placed on creating a therapeutic environment, with increased access to natural light, improved views and enhanced connections to outdoor spaces. Internally, layouts have been carefully planned to ensure clarity, ease of movement and a calm, supportive setting for both patients and staff. The use of offsite construction is expected to play a key role in accelerating delivery, reducing disruption on site and improving build quality. Modular techniques are increasingly being adopted across healthcare and public sector projects, particularly where speed, efficiency and consistency are critical. Therese Patten, chief executive of the Trust, described the approval as a major milestone, enabling the project to move forward into delivery. She noted that the redevelopment will significantly enhance the quality of care and environment for patients relying on the facility. The scheme reflects continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, with modern construction methods supporting the delivery of high-quality, patient-focused environments across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Southwark Council has approved plans to build a new health centre at Elephant and Castle, aiming to bring expanded, modern healthcare services closer to the local community. The proposed facility will replace two existing GP surgeries that have been deemed no longer fit for purpose. In their place, the new centre will offer a wider range of services designed to support residents’ health and wellbeing, forming part of the council’s long-term vision to create a more inclusive and healthier neighbourhood. Pending final approvals, the health centre is expected to open in 2031. The council plans to purchase space within The Hub development using funds from the Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The project will be delivered in partnership with the NHS South East London Integrated Care Board, with the building fitted out to meet NHS standards. Plans for the centre include modern GP facilities with improved accessibility, dedicated treatment and minor procedure rooms, and specialist services covering areas such as women’s health, long-term conditions, and mental health. The building will also house community services, including therapy and counselling rooms, as well as flexible spaces for group consultations, clinics, and outreach programmes. By bringing multiple healthcare services together under one roof, the centre aims to simplify access to care, reduce the need for travel, and improve coordination between providers. Officials say this will help residents manage their health more effectively within their local area. The project represents one of the final stages of the wider Elephant and Castle regeneration programme. Once completed, the centre will be leased to the NHS, providing the council with a long-term public asset and a steady income stream to reinvest in local services. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A landmark £25m Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has been officially opened at Upton Hospital in Slough, marking a significant investment in the region’s healthcare infrastructure. Delivered by leading offsite construction specialists, Western, the new 2,800m² facility is designed to radically improve access to essential scans and tests for the local population. The project was completed within a 52-week timeframe through the use of advanced off-site manufacturing and BIM 3D modelling. By pre-assembling modules away from the site, the structure was made watertight within just five days of installation. This modern method of construction significantly reduced waste, programme risk, and disruption within the live hospital environment. Western provided a comprehensive turnkey design-and-build service for the project. Their remit included the full internal fit-out as well as essential external works, such as the development of car parking facilities and the installation of EV charging infrastructure. Operating 12 hours a day, seven days a week, the centre is expected to provide up to 150,000 additional diagnostic tests every year. The service offering includes CT, MRI, and ultrasound scanning, together with cardiology and respiratory testing. These facilities will support the earlier diagnosis of conditions like heart disease and cancer, while simultaneously reducing waiting lists and easing the operational burden on local GP practices and Wexham Park Hospital. The CDC’s location was chosen for its accessibility, situated within a 10-minute walk of Slough railway station and in close proximity to major bus routes. The development follows a detailed public consultation held in 2023, ensuring the facility reflects community feedback and addresses local health inequalities. James Clarke, Chief Strategy Officer at FHFT, said: “This is an exciting moment for the Trust and the people of Slough. The centre will play a vital role in addressing health inequalities by ensuring that diagnostic services are accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live.” Rory McGuigan, MD of Western, added: “The Slough Community Diagnostic Centre demonstrates the strength of modern methods of construction in delivering high-quality healthcare infrastructure at pace. By combining advanced off-site manufacturing, BIM-led design and a full turnkey approach, we have been able to provide Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust with a facility that is efficient, sustainable and future-focused. Most importantly, this centre will make a real difference to the people of Slough – enabling faster diagnoses, improving patient experience and supporting better health outcomes across the community. We are proud to have partnered on a project that reflects both innovation in construction and ambition in healthcare delivery.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Residents of Luton and surrounding areas will have access to earlier diagnosis of medical conditions resulting in better long-term health thanks to a new community diagnostic centre (CDC) being built by Ashe Construction on the University of Bedfordshire’s Luton Campus. The £10m project for Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, part of a £25m investment will see 1,500sqm of former teaching space remodelled to house advanced medical diagnostic services for the local community. This follows the reprovision of teaching space elsewhere on the campus to continue to provide, modern, student focussed facilities. The scheme aims to provide the services nearer to where users live and in more accessible facilities with state-of-the-art technology. Patients will see improved access to high quality imaging, and shorter waiting times for critical tests including, routine, non-complex CT, Endoscopy, and bone density (Dexa) scanning services all available there.  The facility will benefit from a new drop-off area and dedicated entrance to allow easy access to the new facilities without impacting the University’s teaching spaces. A plant tower will also be built at the Park Street end of the University’s C Block building to house all the necessary plant and equipment to run the state-of-the-art machinery. Ashe will deliver the project in phases to minimise disruption to the campus with the first phases including minor enabling works making way for the main construction and re-modelling work. The mechanical and electrical fit out will then take place, ready for installation of the specialist medical imaging equipment. With completion set for March 2027, the CDC will facilitate earlier diagnoses, improved long-term condition management, and better care coordination for many patients across Luton and South Bedfordshire, ultimately helping to enhance patient outcomes and reduce health inequalities for the local community. The project concept has been designed by Phillips & Co, AD Architects, TB&A and Perega, and the project design has been progressed by Roberts Limbrick; the project management is led by the Trust and BCAL is the structural engineer.  Cost management for the project will be provided by AECOM and Stuart McCurry & Partners is the Building Services Designer. Procured through the Pagabo Refit & Refurbishment Framework, the scheme provides a great example of cross-sector collaboration between Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Bedfordshire University, with further opportunities for research and innovation, and student placement opportunities for teaching and training. Ashe has recently completed Lloyds Court CDC in central Milton Keynes for Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Gilbert Hitchcock House (GHH) in Bedford, also for Bedfordshire Hospital’s NHS Foundation Trust. The success of the project at GHH has resulted in a further £2m contract to fit out the first floor, and provide £200k of improvements to the second floor, with completion scheduled for May this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals