Working with a range of partners NTW Solutions has delivered a flagship new building for the NHS at the heart of the Monkwearmouth Hospital site in Sunderland.
Work began on the new building back in August 2022, with the demolition of the old building which had become structurally unsound and unfit for purpose. Work finished in early March. Staff from Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) began moving in to the new building at the end of March, and have been delighted with their bright new modern working environment.
A spectacular atrium contains a new reception area in a bright and welcoming space. It is a total transformation on the previous building where the reception consisted of a small window which opened onto a corridor. NTW Solutions provide the reception service for the site and the staff are delighted with their new working environment.
At the heart of the new building is a bright modern café which is open to patients, staff and visitors alike. The public are welcome to use the café and it is located at the front of the building with full length windows providing a great view onto the new public space outside. Café Bede is operated by NTW Solutions and is one of a eight cafés we operate on our main sites.
The office spaces are to the highest modern standards with a range of desks, meeting pods, soft chairs for informal meetings, and a range of meeting rooms. These modern, spacious, purpose-built working environments have been designed in partnership with staff, to promote better teamwork and help them to provide excellent care and support.
Original features of the old building have been preserved and have pride of place in the new entrance area (pictured below). These include the foundation stones and commemorative plaques from the opening of the original building.
High quality public spaces have been provided around the site with new landscaping with a stunning new square outside the main entrance. This faces onto the local park which is opposite and has transformed a former car park into a relaxing new green space.
A new landscaped tree-lined staff car park has been provided to ensure there are enough spaces on site for those who need to drive. Cycle parking and showers are also provided for people cycling to the site. The staff car park contains a bank of new electric car chargers, including one in an accessible parking bay, the first to be provided across the CNTW estate.
The new building is fully accessible throughout and has level access and lifts for those who need it. This is a huge change from the old building which had split level floors with stairs in the middle of corridors. In addition, the reception area contains a fully accessible Changing Places toilet which is only the second to be provided on our sites. It is for use of anyone who needs it but is designed specifically for those wo cannot use the toilet independently. It is open to the public and you do not need to be accessing CNTW services, all are welcome.
This fantastic new building has been delivered by our Property Team and will now be cared for and operated by our teams who will maintain it, keep it clean and tidy, welcome visitors and operate the café.
Have a look around Wearmouth View
Watch this video to find out more about the redevelopment.
Huge thanks to the architects and developers Monkwearmouth Development Ltd (a joint venture between Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures Limited and Argon Property Development Solutions Limited), construction teams from Sir Robert McAlpine, and investors Railpen.
