Renal High Dependency Unit at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
London
Transforming Camborne and Redruth Community Hospital
What began as a structural and fire precaution project at Camborne and Redruth Community Hospital evolved into a significant refurbishment, breathing new life into a historic NHS building.
- Client: NHSPS
- Location: Cornwall
- Role: Architecture, Building Surveying, Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Principal Designer
The original scope
Kendall Kingscott was initially appointed to deliver a scheme focused on backlog maintenance works primarily relating to structural integrity and fire safety. The Victorian building presented unique challenges due to its age and construction. During early investigations, it was found that structural elements of the building needed updating including, timber floor joists, timber lintels, and some mining track was uncovered in the build, all of which had deteriorated over time. To address this, our team worked closely with structural engineers to replace the timber with new concrete lintels.
When the building was constructed in 1897, mining track would have been easily sourced. Finding old mining tracks had been used for structural lintel was unique evidence of the history of the building.
M&E requirements
As with many NHS projects, it became clear that the mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems were out-dated and that to support our evolving healthcare system these needed to be modernised. Due to the building being a live hospital environment, initial investigations were limited, and these issues only came to light once the project was underway. This discovery prompted the development of a second phase of works, designed in collaboration with M&E consultants and NHS estates colleagues.
A rare opportunity
Because of the invasive nature of the fire precaution works - such as installing a 60-minute fire-rated ceiling across the first floor - the hospital block had to be fully decanted. With the building vacated, there was an opportunity to go further and improve the space for the future. Following discussions with the hospital Estates team it was agreed that the project would be expanded to include new suspended ceilings, floor finishes, and upgraded services, effectively transforming the scheme into a near-complete ward refurbishment.
Looking ahead
Phase one is scheduled for completion in March 2026, with phase two following in the summer. Once finished, Camborne and Redruth Community Hospital will provide patients with a modern healthcare environment while preserving its historic character.
