Client: Pennine Property Partnership Acre Mills Outpatients is a £9 million development that transformed a Grade II-listed former wire factory in Huddersfield into a modern healthcare facility. Designed to meet the increasing demand for outpatient services, this refurbishment now supports over 200,000 appointments annually, reducing waiting times and enhancing healthcare access for the local community. The facility combines administrative offices with cutting-edge medical technology, providing an efficient, welcoming environment for staff and patients alike. The project, delivered by the Pennine Property Partnership, was the first of its kind in the UK’s health sector, integrating public and private resources to create an asset-backed healthcare facility. Services we provided Digital Engineering & BIM Civil & Infrastructure Engineering Geotechnical & Ground Engineering Ground Investigation & Land Quality Structural Engineering Water Engineering & Flood Risk Our Role BWB played a critical role in preserving and adapting this historic building while ensuring it met the modern needs of a healthcare facility. Our team delivered a comprehensive range of civil and structural engineering services, focusing on retaining key architectural elements of the original structure. Structural design The structural design maintained the original building shell and roofing materials, which were essential not only for sustainability but also for protecting the building's historical significance. Our engineers worked closely with the design team to ensure that all necessary modifications could be reversed if needed in the future, providing flexibility for any potential future changes to the building's use or structure. Sustainable design In terms of environmental impact, BWB developed a strategy that integrated sustainable materials and practices. Stone from the demolition was reused within the project, and efforts were made to minimise the carbon footprint by repurposing much of the existing structure. By maintaining the integrity of the original building materials and design, we helped create a medical facility that blends historical preservation with cutting-edge healthcare infrastructure. Remediation expertise The original site posed significant challenges, particularly the presence of two small ponds located where the new car park was planned. BWB’s expertise in remediation allowed us to successfully manage the de-watering and removal of contaminated pond silt. The ponds were replaced with a large new pond, creating a wildlife habitat and balancing development with environmental sustainability.