The recently completed construction project of a new emergency and urgent care campus at Stepping Hill Hospital has been shortlisted for a national industry award recognising its value to the local community.

It was nominated by building contractors Tilbury Douglas in the ‘Best Projects Buildings: Social Infrastructure Project Award’ category in this year’s awards run by the British Construction Industry (BCI) which recognises the best in the industry.

Construction of the new campus began in 2022 and lasted nearly three years. Stockport NHS Foundation Trust’s capital and estates team worked closely in partnership with Tilbury Douglas on the £34m scheme.

The award shortlisting recognises the measures taken during the project to ensure its support for the social infrastructure of the community, with its targeted investment in skills, training and employment. A total of 97% of the project spend was directed to small to medium sized businesses, while 88% of the workforce was drawn from the local area, demonstrating a strong economic benefit to the region.

The team delivered 718 apprentice training weeks and partnered with Trafford College to win the Investment in Skills Partnership of the Year Award, recognising outstanding support for students. Thirteen T Level placements were hosted on-site, with the campus used as a live learning tool for lectures, tours and hands-on engagement.

In total, the project generated over 150 hours of staff volunteering, contributing to an estimated 81% social return on investment, equivalent to £18.6?million in community value. As part of a partnership with CRADLE, a social enterprise supporting pregnancy loss, the team also collected £500 worth of toiletries, which were packed into Comfort Bags for local hospitals.

This social value was added whilst ensuring continuity of care throughout the building project, which concluded in May this year. The completed campus is now open and ensuring improved care for the local population.  The design of the new campus is centred on patient needs, with the best possible state-of-the-art facilities being made available for staff.

Michelle Waddicor, Head of Capital and Estates at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said; “We are thrilled the BCI has recognised the social value of this project, which showed what inclusive engagement should look like in construction. The collaboration, empathy and commitment shown by the Tilbury Douglas team has left a lasting impression on the trust, the children and the wider community.”

Martin Horne – Tilbury Douglas Regional Director – North West said; “Being shortlisted for this prestigious BCI Award is a testament to the strength of our partnership with Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and the commitment of everyone involved. From the outset, we aimed to deliver far more than just a building, this project has become a blueprint for how construction can drive meaningful social impact through local investment, skills development and community collaboration.”