Re-purposing office buildings for sustainable healthcare training facilities

Intercity House, Plymouth (Courtesy MICA Architects)

As Future Cities Forum moves towards its next 'Science Cities' forum this autumn we are taking a look at the sustainable re-purposing of buildings for city healthcare, medical research and training.

Procured through the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), Kier will deliver the complete refurbishment of Intercity House, an 11-storey 5700 square meter office block, creating for the University of Plymouth an outstanding facility to support its Faculty of Health in delivering the next generation of health professionals.

The project will create state-of-the-art teaching spaces with the equipment required to train future nurses, midwives, paramedics, physiotherapists, and other allied health professionals.

Kier has started the main works on the building and is working with local supply chain partners to deliver the project. It is scheduled to be finished in advance of the 2023/2024 academic year.

Doug Lloyd, operations director of Kier Regional Building Western & Wales said:

'We are delighted to be working with the University of Plymouth again, this time transforming a building that is a focal point of the city. Over the duration of the project, we will collaborate with all parties involved as it is central to the wider Brunel Plaza masterplan.

Refurbishment and reuse of the existing building will reduce the carbon impact and plans have been approved by Plymouth City Council, which allows for facade amendments that will support a sustainable heating, cooling and ventilation strategy.

Professor Judith Petts CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth said:

'It will ensure we can continue to meet the demand for frontline hospital and healthcare workers in Plymouth, the wider South West and beyond. It will also create a real focal point in this key part of our community at a time when regeneration has never been more important.'

This latest appointment underpins Kier's presence in Plymouth with other projects including work at Oceansgate marine enterprise zone and the £17 million Derriford Research Facility for the University of Plymouth.