The event began with a piper leading guests onto the roof of the brand-new three-storey National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), before key individuals were invited to cement their involvement in the programme by signing their names in concrete. The topping out also marked the completion of the building’s frame, symbolising another important milestone in the journey of this pioneering rehabilitation centre.
The £105 million NRC programme is building a 70-bed, ‘state-of-the-art and highly energy efficient’ new facility, run by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. and part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme. Research, innovation. and training, will be led by academic partners, Loughborough University and the University of Nottingham.
The NRC is due to open in 2025. and aims to transform clinical treatment for patients in the East Midlands, and set a new standard for research and innovation, and education and training, in rehabilitation for the whole of the UK.
The celebration was attended by key stakeholders including Sir Andrew McAlpine – partner at Sir Robert McAlpine on behalf of IHP, the Black Stork Charity, University of Nottingham, Loughborough University, and the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, located on the same estate. Following the formalities, guests from the wide range of organisations enjoyed refreshments, courtesy of IHP, in the spring sunshine.
Mark Bessey, Sector director, Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “This topping out ceremony provides an opportunity to celebrate the exemplary collaboration and the technical excellence of the project team. IHP is proud to be working with Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust on delivering this flagship facility for the New Hospital Programme.”