An asset for the community
All wards are built as single bedrooms, with en-suite bathrooms and access to outdoor garden areas, internal planted courtyards and multiple therapy spaces.
Following the closure of York’s Bootham Park mental healthcare hospital, there was a pressing need for a new facility in the city to ensure modern mental healthcare is continued within the region.
Building the facility
Works included substantial earthworks and groundworks including large diameter drainage pipework and extensive car parking.
Completed in March 2020, the build constructed using a steel frame with brickwork, render and timber cladding and envelop treatments to create a new build that mirrored the historic heritage of Haxby road, such as the Nestle factory.
A project teaming with social value benefits
Wates worked to support adults furthest from the labour market to access employment opportunities. Bringing employment, training and educational opportunities to local communities, including school pupils, young people and the long term unemployed.
Throughout the build Wates engaged local suppliers and sub-contractors to ensure the building work will bring with it a local economic boost as well as additional training and employment opportunities. Working together with businesses, social enterprises, community organisations and education providers across York, Wates aspired to make a positive difference and leave a lasting legacy.
Building Futures
Wates' Building Futures programme, and their focus at the York In-Patient Facility on under-represented groups, were just part of the action taken to create new opportunities. Established in 2006, Building Futures is a two week pre-employment programme targeting adults furthest from the labour market; supporting those unemployed, often vulnerable adults gain an insight to working in construction as well as further training opportunities.
For this project, the programme recruited 14 participants (4 ex-offenders, 2 ex-military and 1 homeless) - many presenting multiple barriers to employment.
Martin Dale, Strategic Project Manager - Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS
The attention to detail has been crucial and your involvement in mental health awareness training for the team, allocation of mental health first aiders and the opportunities provided through awareness raising events (alongside the fund raising activities) has reflected the importance of modern mental health care
Social value
Mental health awareness
John Laycock, Project Manager, and the team organised a range of opportunities surrounding mental health awareness to aid their understanding of the ethos and management of mental-health facilities including, mental health workshops to educate the team, community fundraising, and site visits for NHS workers.
Local supply chain
Wates are dedicated to procuring small and medium enterprises (SMEs), local workforce and Social Enterprises through their supply chain. Working with some incredible Social Enterprises at York In-Patient Facility and in 2018, contributed to Yorkshire & North East region spending £190,000, exceeding its £150,000 target.
Easiworks
A local social enterprise in Easingwold who deliver horticulture placements. Concurrent with the site theme of supporting mental health this partnership went hand in hand and delivered an enhanced welfare area for our site team and supply chain to enjoy.
Easi Works had never been invited to a construction project before and their involvement on site intrigued their interest in the industry. They visited the site several times since initial installation to maintain the planters and keep up with the construction progress.
Other partnerships were formed with ABC Life Support who deliver a variety of training courses, and the Recycling Lives social enterprise, a recognised, industry-leading recycler.
