COMPLETE construction partner Stepnell is set to deliver a Main Operating Base (MOB) in Dorset for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT), aiming to enhance the operational efficiency of emergency services across the South West. Scheduled for completion this autumn by healthcare construction specialists Stepnell, based in Southampton, the MOB will serve as a central regional hub for ambulance services. The new multi-functional building forms part of the Trust’s multi-year programme to modernise healthcare infrastructure, which includes a wider network of MOBs, ambulance stations, and community ambulance points. Rob Speirs, regional director at Stepnell, said: “With extensive experience delivering healthcare infrastructure across the South West, we understand what it takes to build spaces that meet the complex needs of frontline services. Our work on this project ensures that ambulance crews have the right environment to effectively deliver emergency care for Dorset and wider communities. “This main operating base consolidates operations – making a real difference to the lives of people across the South West. The final build, alongside our comprehensive social value delivery, will create substantial local spend and deliver further opportunities for the community, which will have a lasting impact for generations to come.” In addition to housing ambulance vehicle operations, the MOB will integrate various Trust departments and consolidate staff and services currently based at Bournemouth, Wimborne, and St Leonards ambulance stations. Stepnell is constructing the new facility to offer improved welfare and training amenities for staff, and its strategic layout will reduce non-clinical workloads for frontline personnel, enabling them to focus on patient care. Andrew Rosser, chief financial officer at SWASFT, said: “Establishing a new Main Operating Base in Dorset is a vital step in strengthening our service’s presence and responsiveness within the community. This facility will enhance our operational capabilities, ensure faster support, and foster closer collaboration with local partners – ultimately improving safety and service quality for everyone we serve.” To find out more about Stepnell, visit www.stepnell.co.uk, or join in the conversation at @Stepnellltd. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

CBRE, the global real estate advisory firm, has advised Hampshire & Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust on a new location for a health hub in central Winchester. Cromwell House, on Andover Road, will allow several services to come together in one place, improving access for patients, supporting staff and helping to deliver more joined-up care for local communities. The six-story building covering 31,257 sq. ft, will be fully refurbished to include over 30 clinic rooms, improved waiting areas and a better working environment for staff. It will replace existing premises across Winchester, including Avalon House, which no longer meet service needs. It is due to open to patients by Autumn 2025. The building is well-located for public transport and includes on-site parking. It is being fitted out by development manager Ethos Property, with construction led by Amiri. Nicky MacDonald, Managing Director for the Mid and North Division at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is a major step in delivering on our strategy to provide high-quality, local care in environments that work for both patients and staff. Cromwell House will give us the space and flexibility to meet growing demand, improve access and create a better day-to-day experience for people who use our services.” Emma Lockey, Director at CBRE Southampton, said: “Cromwell House provided the perfect location and opportunity for the Trust to consolidate services and personnel in one central site. This agreement is the culmination of several years of hard work on all sides, and we are proud to be able to secure a site that will improve patient care in Winchester and the surrounding areas.” More information on the move and what it means for patients will be shared in the coming months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

On the 25th July 2025, NHS Property Services, Deputy Mayor of Preston Councillor Nweeda Khan and the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board came together to celebrate the opening of the modernised Ingol Healthcare Centre.   This transformative project represents a significant investment in local healthcare infrastructure, designed to both modernise existing facilities and enhance sustainability.  The project has attracted a substantial investment of over £1.3 million, with £526,000 allocated from developer contributions secured through the planning process at Preston City Council and £730,000 coming from NHS Property Services (NHSPS) – with £240,000 earmarked for energy improvements through the health and property organization. This funding underscores NHSPS’ commitment to creating a more efficient and environmentally responsible healthcare environment.  The improved facilities are expected to service approximately an additional 35,000 patients and a total of 5,300 new homes in North West Preston.  In addition to a full refurbishment of existing clinical rooms, the project will add seven new clinical rooms to increase capacity for GP services and convert the site into a Net Zero facility. New forms of insulation have been installed (cavity wall and loft insulation), the move to electric heating was made and energy-efficient upgrades such as LED lighting, double glazed windows and solar PV panels were put into place. These measures will ensure long-term cost savings and reduced carbon emissions.  The project was launched to address the growing demand for GP clinical services and to improve the sustainability and long term future of the building. NHSPS and the ICB’s Strategic Estates and Infrastructure Team were played a central role in to the project, handling everything from the initial Section 106 bid, negotiations with GP’s and other delivery partners, design and tender phases, to legal agreements and project management.  Ben Gammer, NHSPS Estate Strategy Lead, said: “This project is a standout example of how smart space optimization can directly support the goals of the NHS’s 10-year health plan. By transforming underutilized areas into high-impact clinical environments, we’re not only increasing capacity but also reinforcing our commitment to delivering accessible, quality care in every neighborhood. It’s a testament to what can be achieved through strategic partnerships and sustainable design.” Now completed, the site’s increased GP capacity will alleviate pressure on local services, while the energy-efficient infrastructure will offer long-term benefits for both the local healthcare system and the environment.  Dr Nidghtta Anjan, Partner GP at North Preston Medical Practice, said: ‘We are delighted to announce the completion of the newly renovated health centre, which signifies a substantial positive change for the community. We are committed to supporting the NHS’s long-term strategy to deliver high-quality healthcare whilst minimizing environmental impact and promoting social responsibility. With the new developments surrounding the area, we eagerly anticipate welcoming new patients to our practice, allowing us to showcase our enhanced clinic rooms, improved waiting area and modern reception desk.”  Deputy Mayor of Preston Councillor Nweeda Khan said: “The improvements at the centre have been made possible by what is known as Section 106 agreements in relation to various planning applications made to Preston City Council.   “These agreements are made to reduce the impact of a significant development on a local community, by providing such things as affordable housing, improving public spaces, enhancing local services or the environment. The upgrades will make a huge difference to the quality of service the health centre can provide and to the number of people in the area who now have access to essential services.”  Geoff Lavery, Strategic Estate Lead for the ICB said: “We have worked incredibly hard with NHSPS and other delivery partners over several years to deliver this project and we are grateful that the S106 funding was in place to support it, however even with the availability of the funding the project has been incredibly challenging.  The aim has always been to deliver increased capacity, sustainability and improved primary care services in the area and we were determined to achieve those aims.  I hope the delivery of the Ingol project highlights the commitment of the ICB to serve the needs of its patient populations.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Construction is set to begin on a new £25m community diagnostic centre (CDC) in Nottingham city centre, with Henry Brothers appointed as the main contractor. Located on Lister Gate, the Broad Marsh CDC will provide crucial medical imaging and diagnostic services to help tackle NHS waiting lists across the region. Enabling works are now under way following the signing of contracts between Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH), which will run the facility, and Homes England, the site’s new landlord. The project forms part of the wider regeneration of the Broad Marsh area and is scheduled to open before the end of 2026. CDCs play an increasingly important role in providing quicker, more convenient access to services such as MRI and CT scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, and heart and lung function tests – all without the need to visit a hospital. Henry Brothers, headquartered in Northern Ireland with a regional office in Beeston, will deliver the facility alongside Arup as structural and civil engineers and Leonard Design as architects. Ian Taylor, managing director of Henry Brothers Construction, said: “This is an exciting project that will bring real health benefits to people across Nottingham. We’re proud to be playing a part in the transformation of Broad Marsh and to be contributing to the delivery of vital public sector infrastructure.” Design and planning for the site – previously owned by Nottingham City Council – was made more complex by its integration with the wider Broad Marsh structure and the presence of asbestos. But with these issues resolved, work is now progressing. Mark Simmonds, deputy medical director at NUH, added: “This centre will be vital in diagnosing conditions earlier and helping patients get the care they need without needing to travel far from home.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A significant milestone was reached at West Middlesex University Hospital with the topping out ceremony of the new £80 million Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre (ADC). The event, held on 2nd July, marked the completion of the main structure of this transformative healthcare project being built by Bouygues UK, set to enhance diagnostic and treatment services in the local community. Designed to be an all-electric, sustainable building, the ADC will deliver essential diagnostic and treatment services for cancer, renal conditions, and imaging, benefiting residents of Hounslow, Richmond, and Ealing. The ADC aims to address health inequalities by doubling capacity for renal and cancer services, ensuring local access to critical treatments sooner. Enhancements include increasing chemotherapy chairs from 10 to 18, allowing for approximately 3,000 more cancer treatments over the next decade, and doubling dialysis chairs from 12 to 24, significantly boosting renal service capacity. The new facility will also house a state-of-the-art education and training centre, reinforcing the Trust’s commitment to enhancing the skills of its staff and recruiting top talent to continue delivering exceptional healthcare services. The project is supported by the Trust’s charity, CW+, which is raising £1.5m to enhance the environment, providing expertise on design and patient experience, and commissioning bespoke artwork for the building. Beyond what Bouygues UK will bring to the healthcare sector through this project lies the promotion of community growth and sustainability. Through partnerships with MITSkills, the London Borough of Hounslow, and JCP Hounslow, the contractor is committed to developing local skills and creating employment opportunities throughout the lifetime of the project. Philippe Bernard, Chair and CEO of Bouygues UK, commented, “I am proud to celebrate the topping out of this pivotal project and would personally like to thank our team and partners. As well as working hard to reach this milestone, they have done an excellent job in fostering skills development and creating sustainable job opportunities for local residents which is sure to leave a lasting legacy in the community.” Lesley Watts, CEO of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which also includes West Middlesex University Hospital site, commented:   “The topping of our Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre, marks a significant milestone for West Middlesex University Hospital. The new facility supports our wider vision to deliver high-quality, accessible care closer to home, and we are proud to play a leading role in strengthening and improving NHS services in West London. I would like to thank our teams and partners whose hard work has made this possible, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact that it will have for our patients and staff for years to come.” Bouygues UK has a strong track record in delivering healthcare infrastructure across the UK, including the state-of-the-art Grafton Way Building for University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, completed in 2022, and the ongoing development of Oriel, a cutting-edge integrated eye care, research and education centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Construction is underway on the National Centre for Child Health Technology (NCCHT) – a pioneering research and technology centre that will tackle some of the biggest challenges in children’s healthcare. Located at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, the flagship NCCHT project is being delivered by Henry Boot Construction in partnership with Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust – almost 150 years since both organisations were founded in Sheffield. The construction contractor was appointed to deliver the £17 million scheme earlier this year. The purpose-built, world-leading research and technology centre will bring together global clinical expertise with cutting-edge innovation, helping to revolutionise children’s healthcare. Spanning an estimated gross internal area of around 43,000 sq ft, the NCCHT will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and modern facilities that will act as a beacon of excellence for the NHS. Initial enabling and site establishment works are now complete, and steel installation will commence in July. The project is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating, with a strong focus on sustainability embedded into the design. Funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity and Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, the NCCHT will bring new healthcare technologies to the heart of service and care delivery for children and young people. The new facility will also expertly position Sheffield Children’s to deliver on the Government’s ten-year plan to improve patient outcomes – moving care from hospitals to communities, making better use of technology and focusing on preventing sickness, not just treating it. Ryan O’Loughlin, Regional Director at Henry Boot Construction, said: “As a business that calls Sheffield home, we’re incredibly proud to be delivering this flagship healthcare project in partnership with Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. “Having delivered many transformational developments across South Yorkshire – from urban regeneration schemes within Sheffield’s Heart of the City masterplan to innovation hubs within the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre – we understand the long-term impact such projects can have on our region. “The NCCHT has the potential to change lives and deliver lasting health benefits for children and young people not only across South Yorkshire, but far beyond.” As building work progresses on site, Sheffield Children’s is simultaneously delivering events and initiatives at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park in the lead up to the facility’s official opening in 2026. Ruth Brown, Chief Executive at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, added: “Sheffield Children’s has come a long way since caring for 29 patients in 1876 – our first year and from one building. Last year we provided over half a million patient contacts and provide care from many buildings and across communities. “The National Centre for Child Health Technology is a significant milestone for our 150th anniversary. Through our work with patients, clinical colleagues, academia and industry we will reimagine care for the next 150 years by embracing innovation and providing the very best care, with and for children and young people.   “We are delighted that the NCCHT is being built by another leading Sheffield organisation on the only Olympic Legacy Park outside of London. Already, we are seeing the impact of collaboration between partners, and we are looking forward to developing this further as we create a healthier future for children and young people.” The NCCHT will open in 2026 during Sheffield Children’s 150th anniversary year and the 50th anniversary of the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Willmott Dixon has commenced a £30 million regeneration scheme at Barnes Hospital, set to transform the site into a modern NHS mental health facility and a new special educational needs (SEN) school. The redevelopment will see the creation of a dedicated mental health hub, providing accommodation for a range of community-based services. These services were temporarily relocated to the South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust’s Livingston House in Teddington in 2023. Once Barnes Hospital reopens in 2027, the Trust’s expanded community services will operate across both sites, improving accessibility and continuity of care throughout the borough. In addition to the healthcare provision, the site will also be home to the London River Academy, a new SEN school offering 90 places for children with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. The school will be operated by the Beckmead Trust, a specialist education provider. The Barnes Hospital project forms part of a wider strategy to modernise mental health services across southwest London. The programme began with the £150 million redevelopment of Springfield University Hospital in Wandsworth, completed in 2022/23. It will continue with the opening of the Richmond Royal Wellbeing Centre this summer, followed by the Barnes Hospital relaunch in 2027, and will conclude with the £110 million redevelopment of Tolworth Hospital in Kingston, scheduled for completion in 2028. Richard Poulter, Managing Director for Willmott Dixon in the South of England, commented: “We are excited to have been chosen to deliver this vital project, procured via the Southern Construction Framework (SCF). It will create modern centres of excellence for mental health and education, with sustainable, inclusive, and high-quality spaces that will help shape a healthier future for people in Barnes.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Construction has officially begun on a £30 million regeneration project at Barnes Hospital led by Willmott Dixon. The project includes the development of a new NHS mental health facility and a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school, following the successful completion of the nearby Chiswick Health Centre. It is being funded by South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust alongside LocatED, an arm’s-length body of the Department for Education. The redevelopment aims to deliver modern, sustainable facilities that serve both the healthcare and education sectors. The new NHS centre will house a range of community mental health services that were temporarily relocated to the Trust’s Livingston House site in Teddington in 2023. Upon reopening in 2027, the Barnes site will operate alongside Livingston House, improving service accessibility across the borough. The school component of the scheme, known as the London River Academy, will offer 90 places for children with social and emotional mental health (SEMH) needs. It will be operated by the Beckmead Trust and is designed to provide a supportive, purpose-built learning environment. The Barnes Hospital transformation follows extensive community consultation involving staff, patients, carers, and local residents. It also forms part of a wider strategic programme to modernise mental health infrastructure across South West London. That programme began with the £150 million redevelopment of Springfield University Hospital in Wandsworth, completed in 2023. It will continue with the opening of the Richmond Royal Wellbeing Centre later this summer, Barnes Hospital in 2027, and conclude with the £110 million redevelopment of Tolworth Hospital in Kingston, scheduled for completion in 2028. Alongside the health and education components, a residential development led by LS Estates is also planned for the remaining part of the Barnes site, contributing to the broader regeneration of the area. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

NHS Property Services (NHSPS) has released a new NHS Estate Optimisation Guide to help NHS leaders and estate managers navigate one of the most pressing challenges in modern healthcare: making the most of the places and spaces that support patient care. As the NHS continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of communities, the ability to deliver care in the right environments is becoming just as critical as funding – and is something which the Government’s much anticipated NHS 10-year Health Plan is expected to touch on. From high street drop-in centres to digitally enabled diagnostic hubs, the future of healthcare delivery depends on transforming existing spaces and creating new ones that are flexible, sustainable, and fit for purpose. Simon Taylor, Director Estates Policy, Strategy & Capital Projects at NHSPS, explained: “Estate optimisation is now critical to meeting patient need and NHS reform. This guide provides NHS leaders with the right practical steps to unlock the full potential of their estate, using the expertise and knowledge of the property experts across NHSPS and the wider system.” The newly released guide developed by experts at NHSPS outlines a clear, flexible framework for: It also includes expert insights from across NHSPS teams and partners, with contributions from Jenny O’Donnell, Infrastructure, Capital, Estates and Sustainability Lead at NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB, and Vissy Plati, Senior Designer at Ryder Architecture. “Simply better understanding current space utilisation can often lead to transformative estate opportunities,” Simon added. “In some cases, buildings thought to be in constant use are only 40% utilised. In others, strategic lease negotiations or repurposing office space can unlock significant savings to fund future care delivery.” The NHS Estate Optimisation Guide is now available to NHS leaders and estate professionals, offering a timely and practical resource to support the ambitions of the forthcoming NHS 10-Year Health Plan. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals