BAM marks a new era for in-patient mental health services in London with handover of Highgate East

London, 4 March 2024 - BAM has completed the work at Highgate East, a brand new purpose-built NHS mental health inpatient facility providing 78 single ensuite rooms, green outdoor spaces and a wide range of facilities to support the recovery of service users. The occasion was marked by a handover ceremony to the North London Mental Health Partnership (NLMHP) on 1 March.

Working with NLMHP, BAM has brought the new facility to life with the input of mental health service users and many staff who work with them, from ward administrators to senior clinicians.

Constructed to replace the ageing facilities at St Pancras Hospital the new building provides outdoor space from each ward, therapy rooms, plus a sports hall and café, open to the public, as part of a move to destigmatise mental health and ensure a more inclusive approach.

Highgate East is situated next to the Whittington Hospital and is also adjacent to a primary school and residential houses. The BAM team worked alongside its neighbours to minimise disruption throughout the construction period.

BAM employed modern methods of construction, particularly on the pre-cast façade, to ensure safety and sustainability are at the heart of the project.

Gavin Pantlin, BAM Construction Director, said: ‘Today we are delighted to hand over this state-of-the-art facility. This has not been a typical build; the design has been influenced by a wide-ranging team, with a huge focus on wellbeing incorporated in the design, this includes access to outdoor space, quiet areas, access to sports & recreation and a family visiting area. Everyone involved can be hugely proud of what they have achieved during the design and construction phase, and we look forward to the facility leaving a legacy for the NHS, the users of the hospital and the wider local community.’

Jinjer Kandola MBE, NLMHP Chief Executive said: ‘Our inpatient services which will move to Highgate East are currently based at St Pancras Hospital in buildings that were never designed to provide modern-day mental health care. It is vital that we treat people in modern, therapeutic environments that are not only inspiring but also support the high standards of care that our staff provide. In planning the cutting-edge building design, we listened to our service users, staff, and the wider community. Highgate East will care for our service users and provide a valuable community asset with a café open to the public. This will be a place where everyone is welcome, and everyone is respected.’