Situated within Concept House in Eastleigh, the project will see the complete transformation of existing office space into a blood donation facility, forming part of an NHS drive to encourage more people to donate blood and combat low stock supplies.
In addition to nine donation beds and individual consultation rooms, a new kitchen, waiting area and an environmentally controlled storage unit will be created, with existing mechanical and engineering (M&E) elements stripped out and replaced to healthcare standards.
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is behind the scheme, delivering architecture, structural engineering and M&E services under direct appointment from main contractor Kier.
Kieran Bradley, director of architecture at Pick Everard, said: "Across the UK, the footprint of our town centres is rapidly changing, and this project is a prime example of modern reuse, converting an old business unit into a healthcare environment that meets urgent sector need.
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"The existing design, being an office ground floor, will require us to start from scratch, with new ventilation, walls, floors, doors and finishes completely transforming the environment, with infection control a key design drive.
"With plenty of parking for patients and staff, we’re looking forward to the new facility becoming a key part of the local community, while meeting national sector demand."
Both Pick Everard and main contractor Kier, operating under Kier Places, are working closely with the NHS to identify sites across the country that could be used in similar capacities.
In July, the NHS issued a blood shortage amber alert, calling for more people with O-type blood – known as the universal blood type – to come forward for donation.
Steve Donarchy, area manager for Kier Places, said: "We are delighted to be delivering Concept House in conjunction with Pick Everard, the first project where Kier Places is working closely with the NHS Blood & Transfusion department.
"We are taking ownership of early design, procurement and delivery across numerous sites, as part of a transition from mobile to fixed place facilities for the public to give blood.
"The model will see NHSBT provide a brief scope to Kier Places for each project, which we will then develop into a fully designed scheme. This will allow works to be delivered at pace, which is especially important given the urgency for blood when donations are at an all-time low."
