scope of work

UDC were approached by NHS Property Services to provide full consultancy services in relation to essential upgrade works at Cheadle Hulme Health Centre. the initial client brief focused on the replacement and modernisation of the site’s boiler system, which was more than 15 years old and nearing the end of its operational life.

the project required the integration of heating and hot water systems alongside a new Building Management System (BMS) panel. this included centralising all plant into a single, more efficient plant room and connecting two previously independent systems into one. the redundant plant room was to be stripped back and made good, preparing it for potential future use.

prior to the works, the building relied on ageing boilers and two separate pipe systems, both of which were inefficient and difficult to maintain. the new design aimed to reduce space requirements, improve overall energy efficiency, and simplify the operation and management of the plant.

challenges faced

as with many health centre projects, the key priority was to ensure the building remained fully operational throughout the works, minimising disruption to both staff and patients. this requirement shaped the delivery strategy and demanded careful planning to maintain continuity of service.

a significant challenge arose from the need to connect the two existing plant rooms at their nearest proximity, which required a considered engineering solution. in addition, asbestos was identified within the ceiling voids, necessitating specialist management and mitigation measures to ensure safe working conditions and compliance with regulations.

despite these issues, UDC worked closely with NHS Property Services, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure the new system could be installed and commissioned efficiently. the programme of works was sequenced to ensure the new plant was brought online as quickly as possible, with energy efficiency and system reliability being the top priorities throughout.

outcome

the completed works successfully delivered a centralised, modernised plant system that significantly improved the efficiency of the health centre’s heating and hot water provision. by consolidating the plant into a single location and introducing a new BMS panel, the building now benefits from simplified operations, reduced energy consumption, and enhanced reliability.

the redundant plant room was left in a condition ready for future use, giving NHS Property Services flexibility in terms of future planning and potential expansion.