Kennedy Way Renal Unit

A former training centre had stood vacant for several years. After being extended, altered and refurbished, it’s now a modern new renal facility serving the local community in Clacton on Sea. With an 11 station unit, a capacity to treat up to 66 patients, consulting rooms and a treatment area, it means that local patients no longer have to travel to Colchester Hospital.

What Did The Job Involve?

This project for the NHS at Clacton Hospital required the conversion of an existing administration building into a new renal unit. Although the structure of the building was sound, it needed a significant upgrade to meet current stringent building regulations – especially Part L (conservation of fuel and power).

To achieve this, we removed the existing roof covering and replaced it with a new composite insulated panels. This required the adaption of the steel frame to suit the new panel sizes. Existing doors and windows were replaced with new double-glazed units. Cavity walls were injected with cavity insulation, and the existing floor was overlaid with insulation and new timber.

The drainage system below ground needed to be extensively reconfigured. New drain runs were bored below the existing raft slab to limit any damage to the structure or integrity of the existing slab. The existing heating system was removed and replaced with a new air conditioning system. This provided heating, cooling and new hot and cold-water services installed for later connection to the renal appliances.

We also put in a complete new electrical installation including new power, lighting, voice, data, security, access control and fire alarm systems. The facility is finished internally to a high standard including with new hardwood joinery, veneer faced doors, new suspended ceilings, vinyl floors and professional decoration.

What Were The Challenges?

The main challenge was working within an existing building on a live healthcare site. This involved careful liaison with hospital staff. It was only after the strip out phase that the extent of the existing structure could be ascertained. A quick response was required from our steelwork sub-contractor to ensure that the project was not delayed.

The timeframe for the project was tight and careful programme management had to be applied.

Beardwell’s Added Value

An extensive VE exercise was completed during the project and by working closely with the design team the project was delivered within budget.

We employed our own team of direct operatives including apprentices which helped ensure that the project completed on time.