Located in Stockport, Greater Manchester, Stepping Hill Hospital looks after a population of around 350,000 people.

ESS Modular partnered with Shanco to deliver the groundworks for a new modular building designed to provide additional space close to the hospital’s main entrance.

Key Services

Working on a tight construction programme, Shanco had to complete the project within three weeks. The project involved cutting and breaking up the tarmac covering the car parking bays and laying concrete pad foundations. These were levelled up with concrete flags creating a void for the new building. Shanco was also responsible for minor drainage works and the installation of service ducts.

Once the modular facility had been installed, Shanco returned to the site to reinstate the asphalt tarmac around the new building along with handrails for accessibility and specialist barriers to protect the roadside elevation from passing vehicles.

The Challenges

Located on parking bays at the side of a road and adjacent to the accident and emergency (A&E) department, the modular building required a groundworks solution that would overcome several logistical challenges.

Before beginning the groundworks, Shanco worked with the hospital to devise a pedestrian management system, including signage, ensuring patients, visitors and staff were directed safely away from the construction area. Deliveries and vehicle movements were carefully sequenced to prevent the road from being blocked with only one permitted to visit the site at any given time. To meet the tight timescales, Shanco worked longer shifts and weekends.

The Results

Thanks to careful management, planning and sequencing any hurdles were overcome ensuring the groundworks were delivered efficiently and safely, minimising any disruption for the hospital’s staff, patients and visitors.