Bradford Endoscopy Unit wins New Build Project of the Year

The cutting-edge £25m endoscopy unit, one of the largest NHS facilities of its kind in the country, was delivered by Robertson Construction Yorkshire & East Midlands and designed by The Manser Practice for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Shaped through extensive stakeholder engagement, the unit places all patient facilities on one level. Its three-cluster pod model gives each patient a private en-suite room for admission, preparation and recovery, supporting dignity, infection control and efficient clinical flow. It also provides eight procedure rooms and 32 patient pods.

The facility was completed on time and within budget despite the challenges of working in a live healthcare environment next to operational theatres and on a site with significant level changes. Robertson ensured minimal disruption to patient care and day-to-day activities across the estate throughout construction.

A step-free link to the main hospital provides a dedicated route for inpatients, while separate pathways allow the Trust to manage services should there be any infection outbreaks. The JAG-accredited unit has expanded diagnostic capacity and established an innovative model for endoscopy care.

Designed using a fabric-first approach, the two-storey facility achieved a BREEAM Very Good rating. Sustainability measures include air source heat pumps, 150m² of photovoltaic panels and low-energy LED lighting with intelligent controls. 

Bradford-born artist David Hockney inspired the interior colour palette, with aluminium panels and full-height glazing defining the exterior.

Saj Azeb, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the Endoscopy Unit has won this award, it’s testament to a whole team effort with Robertson working closely with the Trust’s estates team and clinical teams to create this fantastic new facility.

“I would like to thank the Robertson team for all their hard work and dedication involved in delivering a project which has had a genuine impact on improving performance and service delivery.” 

Jonathan Sizer, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Yorkshire & East Midlands, said: “This award recognises the collaboration, care and expertise behind the new Endoscopy Unit. Working closely with the Trust, The Manser Practice and the wider project team, we have delivered a complex project on time and within budget on a live healthcare site, providing a quality facility that supports vital clinical services.”

The project generated more than £13.9m in social value, including 44 local full-time equivalent jobs, 33 apprenticeships, 572 weeks of training, charitable donations and volunteering. 

Robertson was awarded the project through Lot 1.1 of ProCure23, part of the Crown Commercial Service Construction Works and Associated Services Framework. 

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