Situated within Concept House in Eastleigh, the project has seen the transformation of existing office space into a blood donation centre, forming part an NHS drive to encourage more people to donate blood and combat low stock supplies.

Blood is needed to save lives in emergencies, treat cancer and ensure many thousands of people with debilitating long-term conditions can live close to normal lives. Over 400 appointments a week will be held at the new permanent centre, with the blood donated saving up to 1,200 lives. 

The Concept House project - procured through the SCAPE National Construction Framework – was delivered in 14 weeks by principal contractor Kier Places, working in partnership with multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard, who delivered architecture, structural engineering and M&E services.

In addition to nine donation beds and individual consultation rooms, a new kitchen, waiting area and an environmentally controlled storage unit have been created, with existing mechanical and engineering (M&E) elements stripped out and replaced to healthcare standards.

A particular type of blood is urgently needed to treat patients with sickle cell disease – the country’s fastest growing genetic disorder that affects people of Black heritage. Around 50 per cent of people from Black Caribbean and Black African heritage have a blood subtype called RO, which is used primarily to treat people with sickle cell. 

Steve Donachy, area manager for Building Solutions, part of Kier Places, said: 'The new centre is vital for NHSBT and we couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome, and most importantly, the impact the facility is now going to have on patients and their care.

'We are set-up to deliver rapid refurbishment schemes, working with the right people and supply chain - this is especially important given the urgency for blood. Concept House is the perfect example of taking an existing building space and repurposing it - at pace - into a high-quality healthcare facility.

'The collaboration between all of the partners – NHSBT, Kier, Pick Everard – was absolutely critical in the rapid completion and the result is a fantastic new donation centre for the local community.'

 Mike Doswell, NHSBT area manager for the Solent, said: 'The new centre is light, bright and modern for donors and staff. We’ve created lots of new purpose designed spaces alongside our donor areas, including meeting rooms and storage units, so we really are set up for the future. I genuinely think it’s one of the best NHSBT facilities I’ve seen.

'This project is the culmination of a lot of hard work by a group of people - NHSBT, Kier, Pick Everard – and we’re itching to get the donors in to start business as usual.

'We particularly hope that people who have donated before will come back and donate again now that we have a permanent centre nearby. The entire donation process takes just an hour. Each donation can save up to three lives, so every person who comes forward will help us save even more lives across the country.'

Kieran Bradley, director of Architecture at Pick Everard, said: 'It’s been a privilege to work on a project that supports such an important service within public health. The new blood donor centre will improve access to blood donation in Southampton, making it more convenient for people to contribute.

'Repurposing a former business unit into a modern, functional facility was a collaborative team approach. We’re pleased to have supported NHSBT with a design that’s practical, welcoming, and focused on the user's needs. It’s a good example of how considered design can support essential services and benefit the wider community.'

Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: 'Through our close collaboration with our partner Kier, we’ve been able to deliver time- and cost-effective support throughout every stage of this project — from early contractor engagement to refurbishment and construction. This outstanding facility will not only benefit the local community, but also provide vital, life-saving blood and supplies to those who need them most. It’s a project we’re incredibly proud to have been part of.'

Kier Places and Pick Everard are working closely with NHSBT to identify sites across the country that could be used in similar capacities.