We built a new £20 million community hospital to deliver high-quality health and social care services across the Badenoch and Strathspey region.
We worked closely with NHS Highlands via the Hub North Scotland Ltd Framework to construct a new fully integrated healthcare facility in Aviemore. The Badenoch and Strathspey Community Hospital will improve patient experience and treatment outcomes by enabling staff to provide the quality of care expected in a modern healthcare environment. In addition, it will release resources to improve community care via integrated community teams.
It’s the first new hospital built in the Cairngorms National Park. It has 24-beds, 12 consulting/treatment rooms, a minor injuries clinic, an NHS dental suite and X-ray facilities.
Shaping a healthcare future
We were appointed as the main contractor to deliver this project, which comprised the design and construction of a community hospital. Other elements of the project were also delivered by our key supply chains partners, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installations, structural steel frame, cladding, roofing, windows and internal fit out.
Building green
An energy-efficient and environmentally friendly green space was incorporated into the design of the hospital by installing a sedum roof. The benefits can be seen in two areas:
Ecological benefits:
- Lower carbon footprint
- Creation of habitats for animals and insects
- Absorption of carbon dioxide and pollutants
- Water management
- Noise protection
Financial benefits:
- Reduced energy bills for both heating and cooling
- Lifespan of the roof increased
Innovation on site
We have successfully utilised innovation technology created to increase efficiency and productivity of this large-scale construction project. We created a new QR code Permit System, which streamlined the daily issuing of permits by using QR codes linked to BIM 360 Field. Using a coloured armband system helped to identify if a permit has been issued to someone and a QR code scan allowed all stakeholders involved to ensure permits are properly completed and signed by all parties. By digitally tracking the construction activities we synchronised data saving us significant time and minimising excessive paper trails created on the project.
Power BI and OpenSpace was also utilised to significantly improve our quality control processes. Power BI allowed us to analyse live field data for meaningful insights, while OpenSpace enabled remote project visualisation. This facilitated progress and quality monitoring, as well as collaboration between designers and contractors.
Providing opportunities for young people to grow
We strive not only to build infrastructure that will have a positive impact on people's lives, but also to leave a meaningful legacy in the communities we serve. While the project was under construction, we collaborated with local schools and provided apprenticeships to inspire talented young people about the opportunities available to them and to better prepare them for success in the construction industry as a career.
An Architectural Technology student joined our project team and completed a two-week work placement with the on-site team. During this time, the student gained hands-on experience with real-life construction processes, working alongside the team on site. Additionally, they had the opportunity to interact with staff from Balfour Beatty's digital and community teams to explore design and digital aspects.
spend with local SMEs
apprentices supported project delivery
new jobs created during project delivery
Long lasting social benefits for local community
Our team donated materials to the Strathspey Steam Railway and created planters and benches on site from surplus materials donated to local charities. We also engaged with local community groups such as Aviemore Therapy Garden group and Badenoch & Strathspey Community Transport and provided design and commercial support to help develop community improvement projects.
Through the immense hard work of all involved, we achieved the following accolades in 2022:
- Winners of the ‘Overall Community Site Award’ for the Community Therapy Garden project at the Leading Lights Awards.
- Finalist in the Social Value category at the Building Awards.