17th Apr 2024

National Rehabilitation Centre celebrates ‘topping out’ milestone

Integrated Health Projects (IHP), celebrated the topping out of the first NHS National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) this week.

IHP, a joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine, hosted the formal ‘Topping Out Ceremony’ at the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate near Loughborough this week.

The event began with a piper leading guests onto the roof of the brand-new three-storey NRC, before key individuals were invited to cement their involvement in the programme by signing their names in concrete.

Topping out is a common tradition within the construction sector, which marks a building reaching its highest level. For the NRC, this also means the completion of the building’s frame, symbolising another important milestone in the journey of this pioneering rehabilitation centre.

The £105million 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.

Miriam Duffy, NRC Director, said:

“We began this journey almost eight years ago in 2016, and so today’s milestone is testament to the teamwork and perseverance that have brought us to this point, which is another step towards opening our doors to patients in need of rehabilitation.

"The NRC will not only serve as a centre rehabilitation excellence, but also as a symbol of hope for countless individuals and families across the country. We look forward to welcoming patients next year so we can help them start their own journey towards a better future with as much independence as possible.”

Latest National Rehabilitation Centre updates

  1. Construction progress at the National Rehabilitation Centre

    08 Aug 2024

    Watch recent drone footage showing the progress being made on the construction of the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) near Loughborough.

    Read more about
  2. Strong Foundations Grant recipients in the Midlands

    05 Apr 2024

    Congratulations to the seven charities and grassroots initiatives that have been awarded a share of the £15,000 fund via ActionFunder from our National Rehabilitation Centre, Loughborough Foundations Grant for 2023.

    Read more about
  3. National Rehabilitation Centre continues to progress

    03 Apr 2024

    Take a look at progress of the first and second floors which are nearing completion as construction is being carried out by IHP, a joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine.

    Read more about

Latest news

  1. 2 Finsbury Avenue celebrates bottoming out ceremony

    10 Dec 2024

    Guests gathered at the lowest point of the structure’s foundations, just over 50m below ground.

    Read more about
  2. ONE Station Hill reaches practical completion

    06 Dec 2024

    Congratulations to all those who have worked on ONE Station Hill in Reading as the project completes.

    Read more about
  3. Green Apple award for project with sustainability at its core

    27 Nov 2024

    The sustainable approach to delivery taken by our AmeySRM JV team on the A533 Expressway Replacement Bridge Scheme has seen the project honoured with an international Green Apple Environment Award.

    Read more about
View all news