Our Smartspace team was appointed by Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
to deliver a vital infrastructure upgrade at Churchill Hospital in Headington, Oxford. The project was designed to improve safety and connectivity within the hospital by removing structurally vulnerable materials and constructing a new corridor.
The works involved demolishing an existing corridor constructed using Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), a material known for its limited lifespan and susceptibility to structural failure. The new corridor was built to a higher standard and strategically positioned alongside the existing one, allowing hospital operations to continue uninterrupted.
Once the new corridor was operational, the old RAAC structure was safely removed. The primary objective was to eliminate RAAC from the hospital’s infrastructure, significantly enhancing the safety and long-term stability of the building.
Delivering the works in a live hospital environment posed several challenges. Ensuring that all areas remained accessible and fully operational throughout the build required careful planning and coordination. One of the most complex tasks was rerouting and establishing live services to maintain hospital functionality.
In addition, the corridor was landlocked, which meant gaining access to build it required the demolition of four redundant buildings. This added a layer of logistical complexity to the programme, demanding precise sequencing and close collaboration with hospital stakeholders to avoid disruption.
The removal of RAAC contributes to long-term environmental and safety benefits by eliminating the need for future emergency repairs and reducing structural risk. As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship and leaving a positive legacy, our Smartspace team took the initiative to enhance the external environment by sowing wildflower seed in the landscaped areas. This small intervention supported biodiversity and natural regeneration, adding a thoughtful and lasting touch to the final handover.
Our Smartspace team sought to make a meaningful impact beyond the construction site. In partnership with ten local schools, they donated children’s books designed to help young people and their caregivers navigate the emotional challenges of cancer.
Additionally, Smartspace operatives carried out regular litter-picking activities around the hospital grounds, demonstrating a commitment to the wider community.
The successful delivery of this project has provided Churchill Hospital with a safer, more reliable corridor that enhances internal connectivity and meets modern construction standards. It reflects Smartspace’s dedication to quality, safety, and community engagement, even in the most complex and sensitive environments.
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