Heatherwood Hospital Reaches Construction Milestone

A topping out ceremony took place at Ascot’s new £98m Heatherwood Hospital, celebrating the completion of the main structure. The hospital, which is located in a leafy woodland area, will provide six top of the range operating theatres, various outpatient services and up-to-date diagnostics.

Heatherwood Hospital has been at Ascot for almost a century, but with ageing facilities and a growing need for investment, its long-term future was in doubt. Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust’s ambitious plan has seen a new building at the back of the current hospital site take shape while existing services stay fully operational. Services are on track to transfer to the new building next year and the Trust aims to double the number of patients each year to 168,000 over the next decade.

Architect associate Sean Woodhead said, “Like the healthcare that will be on offer in the new Heatherwood Hospital, we have taken a holistic approach to designing both the masterplan and the hospital, ensuring wellbeing is at its heart for generations to come. The overall design draws in the landscape to maximise its links with nature, support recovery and create a calm and natural environment for the offices, primary care facility and the homes to come. Patient bedrooms will have views across the treetops and access to terraces. The cafe space will offer woodland views and there will be a large and biodiverse pond area and nearby nature walks. Reaching the construction’s highest point has given us a real sense of the hospital’s connection with its stunning natural setting and the benefits that it will bring for patients, staff and visitors alike.”

BDP was appointed architect, civil and structural engineer, building services engineer, landscape architect and lighting designer.