United Kingdom
Transforming a UK city centre with Wolverhampton Council
Contact
JL
Jonathan Lunn
Project Director
Project overview
Why was a new specialist eye hospital needed in Sunderland?
The new Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital replaces the former hospital located on Queen Alexander Road. The previous hospital had served the community for over 75 years, but it was no longer designed to meet the needs of modern healthcare, creating challenges for both staff and patients. The 120,000 sq ft building now includes operating theatres, patient bedrooms, an emergency department and pharmacy. It also includes communal spaces for staff and visitors. Designed for patients and staff, the new hospital combines high-quality clinical spaces with a more comfortable, efficient setting.
The hospital runs entirely on clean energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Its design lowers energy demand with strong insulation and an ambient heating system. With features like sustainable drainage and a green roof, the building has been designed for the long term. It achieves a BREEAM Excellent rating.
Highlights
project story
Delivering a new standard of eye care in Sunderland
We were appointed by Sunderland City Council to provide project management and cost and commercial management services. We acted as Employer’s Agent and NEC Contract Administrator. As part of our project management role, we led a team of technical advisors and site assurance professionals to oversee the project from construction through completion.
We worked closely with the client, design team, healthcare staff and contractors to keep everyone aligned throughout delivery. We managed programme and change control, while mitigating risks to support efficient decision-making on a complex healthcare project.
This approach helped deliver the hospital in about two and a half years from the start of construction.
Improving access to eye care for the region
Sunderland’s Specialist Eye Hospital’s central location significantly improves access to specialist eye care services, particularly for patients relying on public transport. The purpose-built facility also increases clinical capacity, with additional operating theatres designed to help reduce waiting times and meet growing regional demand.
The hospital was designed for clinicians, staff and patients. It supports efficient workflows and a better care environment.
The project also delivered wider economic benefits, with approximately £14mn spent with local suppliers during construction. As the only specialist eye hospital in the Northeast of England, the facility plays a key role in local healthcare. It also supports the regeneration of Sunderland’s Riverside area.
RELATED
You might also be interested in these projects
Get our latest insights direct to your inbox
Sign up for our newsletter - trends, market intelligence and expert perspectives.
Get our latest insights direct to your inbox
Sign up for our newsletter - trends, market intelligence and expert perspectives.