WWe have strengthened our presence in Leeds and the wider North of England with the appointment of Andrew Smith as Location Director, supporting our continued growth across Yorkshire and the region. 

Andrew joins us with more than 30 years of experience across the built environment. His appointment reflects increasing demand for our engineering and sustainability expertise across the region, as we continue to support a growing portfolio of residential, commercial, mixed-use, healthcare, life sciences, data centres, education and industrial projects. 

Based in Leeds, Andrew will lead the development of the local team while working closely with clients and the wider company. The city’s strong connectivity and established development pipeline make it a key base for supporting projects across the North. 

With a background spanning senior leadership roles and the successful growth of his own consultancies, Andrew brings a blend of technical expertise and entrepreneurial insight. He is known for building high-performing teams and delivering complex projects, with a strong focus on collaboration and long-term value, traits we value at Wallace Whittle. 

A key priority for Andrew will be the organic growth of Wallace Whittle’s Leeds presence. With investment in people and talent development at the heart of our approach, he aims to source and nurture talent. Mentoring the next generation of engineers and contributing to projects that leave a lasting legacy across the UK.

Commenting on his appointment, Andrew shared:

“Leeds feels like the right place at the right time, both for Wallace Whittle and for me. Leeds is a central hub, well connected by rail and road, which allows us to support clients across Yorkshire and the wider North in a very practical and efficient way. 

“What really stood out to me about Wallace Whittle is its culture. In an industry facing a real shortage of talented and aspiring engineers at every level, building and retaining strong teams matters now more than ever. My priority is to grow the Leeds office in the right way, investing in people’s professional development and choosing projects where we can make a meaningful, long-term impact. Being part of a business with a clear growth plan and strong values is incredibly exciting”

Andrew’s appointment also builds on Wallace Whittle’s recent success across the region, including involvement in the Hungate development in York and the Dyecoats scheme in Leeds, a project that features towers and medium-rise blocks with ground-floor amenity areas and plant spaces. We also played a key role in this project achieving Gateway 2 Building Control Approval. 

Allan McGill, our Managing Director added: 

“As Andrew steps into lead our Leeds office, strengthening our presence is a key move in delivering our continued growth across England. Andrew brings a rare combination of technical expertise and entrepreneurial experience that will help drive our regional expansion. His vision for building a strong team, focused on quality, culture and long-term relationships, aligns perfectly with our approach at Wallace Whittle.”

With Andrew leading the Leeds team, we are well-positioned to continue our regional growth, delivering innovative engineering and sustainability solutions across Yorkshire and the North East whilst investing in the next generation of talent.

Reach out to our England team to discuss your next project and be part of this growth.

Andrew Smith, Leeds Location Director –  [email protected]

Carl Saxon, Regional Director South England – [email protected]

Colin Preston, Business Development Director, South England – [email protected]

Peter Kirk, London Location Director – [email protected]

Darren Wright, Birmingham Location Director – [email protected] 

WWith the UK Government’s latest initiative to expand the nation’s data centre capacity, aiming to compete with superpowers like the US and Germany, the number of facilities is set to grow significantly in the coming years. At the same time, the rapid adoption of generative AI and cloud computing is driving an urgent need for data centres that are not only efficient but also resilient and future-proof. 

But with this growth comes a major challenge: heat. High-density computing generates enormous amounts of it, demanding sophisticated cooling strategies. These solutions must balance technical performance with sustainability, cost, and long-term planning, making cooling one of the most critical aspects of modern data centre design.

With the rise of AI and high-performance computing, data centres are facing much higher heat densities than ever before. Traditional air cooling alone can no longer cope, which is why we’re seeing a growing shift towards liquid cooling. This trend is also reflected in the market, with more manufacturers introducing Cooling Distribution Units (CDUs) as standard solutions. 

The choice of cooling system ultimately depends on the technology within each data centre. The AI boom, in particular, has accelerated the move towards liquid cooling and immersion cooling. Whilst immersion cooling has its benefits and is anticipated to see an upscale in its use going forward, concerns around cost, familiarity and limited manufacturer support have restricted its use. 

Direct-to-chip liquid cooling on the other hand has seen a significant uplift in its use, particularly due to the capability of retrofitting into existing facilities, and this shift is already changing how we approach data centre design, ensuring that infrastructure is both resilient and future-ready. You can read more about the wider influence of AI on data centre design in our article The Influence of AI on Data Centre Design 

Sustainability is a justified concern in data centre design, particularly given the significant energy required to operate and cool these facilities. Cooling systems alone account for a large proportion of overall consumption, which makes selecting the most efficient approach, and identifying opportunities to minimise energy use, critical for both performance and environmental impact. 

Globally, there is a growing shift toward waste heat recovery. While the UK currently has no legislative requirements, the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) already mandates that data centres over 1MW must either reuse waste heat or prove that it is not technically or economically feasible. It seems likely that similar measures will eventually be introduced in the UK. Implementing such systems will typically require additional plant to uplift temperatures to usable levels and, crucially, local heat demand, meaning not every site will be suitable. 

Powering data centres is another challenge. While renewable integration is possible, a single renewable solution alone cannot realistically meet the demand of high-density facilities, particularly AI-focused ones. More promising are direct links to multiple sources of renewable generation, such as connections between data centres and nearby wind farms, helping to ensure energy use is closely matched with green generation. In Scotland, this presents a major opportunity given the country’s extensive renewable energy resources.

Scotland also offers a natural advantage in cooling. Its consistently low ambient temperatures, and designing to higher facility water temperatures available via liquid cooling, allow for extensive use of ‘free cooling’, using outside air to significantly offset or replace mechanical cooling. This can be applied directly, by filtering and circulating outdoor air into the data hall, or indirectly, by transferring heat through an exchanger. In either case, it significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining optimal operating conditions. 

Practical Considerations 

Designing or upgrading data centres to ensure adequate cooling brings a number of complex challenges. One of the most significant is striking the right balance between minimising plant provision, and the associated capital costs, while still satisfying both client requirements and the accreditation standards often sought in the industry, such as Uptime Institute Tier Certification, or the CEEDA Award for energy efficiency. 

Acoustics can also be a major issue, particularly when sites are close to residential or commercial properties. Cooling plant and supporting infrastructure such as generators and cooling plant can generate substantial noise, often requiring careful screening, attenuation, or alternative design solutions to comply with planning constraints. 

Another critical factor is heat load testing. As data centres move towards higher capacities, the industry is shifting from small-scale load banks and towards larger-scale solutions, such as boilers, to more accurately simulate operational conditions. 

Where clients plan for future growth and modular expansion this must be carefully planned from the outset. For example, integrating additional cooling plant into a live environment requires careful sequencing and, where possible, planning for downtime during system modifications, commissioning, or top-ups. This becomes especially challenging in facilities that operate 24/7 and cannot afford service interruptions, making forward planning and resilient design strategies essential. 

Future Considerations 

Looking ahead, cooling strategies are set to evolve rapidly alongside the growth of high-density and AI-driven data centres. Liquid cooling and CDU solutions, which are already becoming widely available from multiple manufacturers, are expected to become commonplace over the next few years, particularly as demand for AI-ready facilities continues to grow. 

The pace of technological development presents a unique challenge. IT hardware is advancing so quickly that by the time a data centre project completes design, planning, and construction, the equipment it houses may already be on the verge of being outdated. This underscores the importance of designing flexible and adaptable cooling strategies that can accommodate future innovations without requiring extensive retrofits. 

For data centre designers, like ourselves, and even operators, this means planning not only for current requirements but also for scalability and future technological advancements, ensuring that these facilities remain efficient, resilient, and future-proof. 

If you’re looking to design or upgrade a data centre with efficient, sustainable, and future-proof cooling solutions, get in touch with our team today, or contact John Moore at [email protected]

At Wallace Whittle, we combine MEP and sustainability expertise to deliver innovative designs tailored to your specific needs. 

WWe have appointed Colin Preston as Business Development Director for the South of England, further strengthening our leadership team in the region.

Colin joins following the addition of the Mecserve team to the London office, bringing over 30 years’ experience across commercial, residential, retail and hospitality sectors. His background includes senior roles at WSP and Mecserve, and delivering high-profile projects for clients such as The Crown Estate, Firmdale Hotels and British Land, as well as major mixed-use schemes across Regent Street, Oxford Street and Haymarket.

Commenting on his appointment, Colin said:

“As a people-focused business that values quality and long-term partnerships, Wallace Whittle’s values align perfectly with my own. I’m excited to now build on the success the business has achieved in Scotland in the South of England. For me, it is about making the brand mean something by delivering consistency, passion and a personal touch in everything we do.”

Allan McGill, Managing Director, added:

“Along with our business growth plans for England we are delighted to welcome Colin to Wallace Whittle. Colin has joined us alongside the wider Mecserve team, however, he will be fully focused on developing and growing client relationships for the business. He will work closely with Craig Robertson, business development director for England, and Carl Saxon, regional director for South of England, in what is now a highly experienced team.”

Wallace Whittle continues to expand across England, focusing on commercial offices, mixed-use, student accommodation and emerging growth sectors, while strengthening collaboration across its UK-wide network.

As we continue to expand our presence, focusing on commercial offices, mixed-use developments, student accommodation, and emerging sectors, we are strengthening our leadership and aligning expertise across our offices to build a seamless, collaborative UK-wide network.

You can read more about our growth across England here – Scaling with Purpose: Our Vision for England – Wallace Whittle

Reach out to our England team to discuss your next project and be part of this growth.

Colin Preston, Business Development Director, South England – [email protected]

Carl Saxon, Regional Director South England – [email protected]

Peter Kirk, London Location Director – [email protected]

Darren Wright, Birmingham Location Director – [email protected] 

WWith new senior appointments, a larger London office and a new talented multidisciplinary team joining, Wallace Whittle is driving collaboration, expertise, and a people-first approach across the capital.  

With a presence in London for over 20 years, in the past year we have continued to accelerate our growth in the city – establishing our ESG team back in the beginning of the year, to now in the last few months, we’ve welcomed 15 new members of staff in our London office from MEP Consultancy Mecserve. These additions sparked the need for our office expansion in London, and we have now moved into a bigger space facilitating this rapid growth.  

London is a key area of growth for us, with opportunities spanning the south of England across multiple industries. Our recent senior appointments, including Peter Kirk as London Location Director and Carl Saxon as Regional Director South of England, demonstrate our commitment to expanding within the region. The most recent addition to the London Team comes from Mecserve, and they bring a wide variety of expertise alongside expertise.  

Peter Kirk, our new Location Director in London, brings extensive sector experience and deep client relationships that underline the strength of the team. 

“The team culture in London is excellent. They’re a vocal, energetic group that actively engages with one another and consistently offers support across the team. Our strength lies in our experienced and communicative team. Many of us have worked directly with contractors or been involved in contractor-led design projects, giving us a strong understanding of MEP services and associated specialist works from inception through to completion. This depth of knowledge enables us to produce accurate and practical designs at every stage of a project.” 

Supporting Peter at a regional level is Carl Saxon, Regional Director for the South of England, who has been closely involved in integrating the London team into the wider business. We also draw on the expertise of Craig Robertson, our Regional Business Development Director, who also brings valuable guidance and cross-office collaboration to support the London team’s development. 

“I’m really looking forward to continuing our good work in and around London. I’m very grateful to our clients and friends who are so supportive of our efforts and quality approach. Wallace Whittle has been in London for a long time now and the future looks brighter than ever.”  

Craig Robertson shared with us.  

With specialists now across mechanical, electrical and public health, the London office combines multidisciplinary expertise with a people-first working culture. This has helped create a collaborative environment where our teams can work closely together to solve complex challenges and deliver forward-thinking solutions.  

“The London team’s greatest strength is our synergy. Many of us have worked closely together for years, and because of that, our collective output is truly greater than the sum of its parts. In a challenging marketplace, having a resilient team that sticks together and can be relied upon to get the job done is absolutely essential.

We’re fortunate to have a healthy balance of experienced engineers and emerging talent, allowing us to offer a broad range of services and high-value advice. Our Director team remains very hands-on — rolling up their sleeves, contributing directly to engineering delivery, and supporting our younger engineers as they develop their skills and build a strong foundation for the future.”

Robert Wilshere, Electrical Director based London, shared with us. 

Sustainability continues to be a key discipline within our London office. With members of our ESG and sustainability teams based in the city, London has become a hub for driving forward our sustainability and ESG ambitions across the business. 

The recent addition of the Mecserve team has further strengthened this, with Youssef Safadi joining Wallace Whittle as Director of Sustainability. Youssef brings a wealth of sector experience and technical expertise, adding another valuable layer to our expanding sustainability offering, one that supports projects and clients across the entire UK. We spoke to Youssef to hear how he’s finding Wallace Whittle: 

“It’s great to be part of Wallace Whittle, working alongside familiar faces and supported by a nationwide team whose collective experience strengthens everything we deliver. Across the UK we see too many projects where sustainability is treated as an afterthought, but here there is a clear focus on practical solutions and buildability that genuinely facilitate the design and build process. The close synergy with our MEP teams, combined with the breadth of knowledge and lessons learned across the country, ensures we can support clients with approaches that are both achievable and impactful.” 

Together, our London-based ESG and sustainability specialists are helping shape strategies, guide compliance, and embed low-carbon thinking at every stage of design. Their presence in the capital ensures we remain close to evolving regulatory requirements, client needs, and sector trends, positioning Wallace Whittle at the forefront of sustainable building services engineering. 

London presents a wide range of opportunities across commercial, residential, refurbishment, data centre, and life sciences sectors. Our team continues to deliver highly technical, high-value schemes across these markets, supported by our broader national expertise. 

The team joining us recently has worked on some major London-based projects, including projects like Sixty London Wall, which highlights the calibre and complexity of the work the team can deliver. You can read more about 60 London Wall here 

“Sixty London Wall was a huge commercial scheme in London with LaSalle Investments and Citygrove. We had a fantastic team on that project, I was working alongside our Directors, Joanna and Rob. It was challenging, but everything was thrown at the job, It was a really rewarding scheme and it opened up other pipelines for key work.” 

Peter shared with us.  

London Job Openings

Tucked beside Old Paradise Gardens and just moments from the busyness of Albert Embankment, Paradise11 transforms a challenging urban site into one of London’s most forward-thinking workplaces. 

Developed by Bywater, the six-storey mass-timber building brings together wellbeing, sustainability and contemporary design to create a warm, healthy and highly efficient office environment, which in turn is setting a new standard for how we design in dense city locations. 

Positioned on a tightly constrained site between railway arches and residential buildings, Paradise11 transforms a challenging urban plot into a modern & sustainable workplace.

Working on Paradise as the MEP & Sustainability Consultants has been incredibly rewarding for our teams involved, and seeing the building come to life to such a high standard is fantastic. With exposed ceilings and visible services, the design embraces a modern aesthetic that celebrates the character of the CLT and glulam frame.  

Driving Sustainability Beyond Industry Targets 

Our team helped to shape a building that performs far beyond current benchmarks. Early-stage modelling, energy strategy development and extensive coordination with the design team helped to achieve: 

• BREEAM: Excellent 

• WELL: Gold 

• EPC: A 

• Around 20% improvement beyond UKGBC operational energy targets 

• MEP is embodied carbon 8.9% better performance than the GLA benchmark 

• 272m² of rooftop PV for onsite energy generation 

These achievements indicate that Paradise is well-positioned for emerging regulation and performs efficiently compared with many UK office buildings. 

Paradise is one of the first large-scale commercial projects in the UK to use Daikin’s VRV-5 R32 refrigerant system, chosen for its low global warming potential. From the start, our team focused on creating a building that wasn’t just energy-efficient but was also a great place to work for its future occupants, with natural ventilation to improve comfort, low-carbon materials to reduce environmental impact, and carefully considered thermal design. 

The building is also WELL accredited, reflecting the focus on occupant health, comfort, and overall quality. 

The building has achieved WELL accreditation, a recognised standard that places human health and wellbeing at the centre of design and operation. This certification highlights the project’s commitment to creating an environment where occupants feel healthier, more comfortable, and more productive every day. From enhanced air and water quality to thoughtful lighting, acoustic comfort, and wellness-driven amenities, the spaces within Old Paradise are crafted to support both physical and mental wellbeing. The result is a workplace that not only performs at a high level but also helps people thrive. 

Technical Coordination with Mass Timber 

Working with mass-timber structures, such as Paradise11, requires exceptional coordination. Our team worked closely with Webb Yates, B&K, and OFR Consultants to integrate services within CLT slabs and glulam beams while meeting stringent fire and structural requirements. 

This allowed the design team to develop one of the first certified solutions for fire dampers suitable for timber floors and ensure all services could be routed through the structure without compromising fire safety or visual aesthetics.  

Awards and Recognition

Paradise11 brings together low-carbon materials, smart engineering and elegant design to create a workplace that is both inspiring and exceptionally efficient. As mass timber gains momentum across the industry, this project shows just how far the approach can go. It also reflects what we do best at Wallace Whittle: working closely with clients and design teams to solve technical challenges, protect design intent and push environmental performance far beyond expectations. Paradise 11 is a blueprint for the commercial buildings of the future, and we’re proud to have helped make it possible.

If you’re looking to reduce operational carbon, push technical boundaries, or deliver next-generation buildings, contact us at [email protected] 

As winter approaches, we’re excited to highlight the newest internal promotions across Wallace Whittle. November is traditionally a busy and energising period for our industry, and it offers the ideal opportunity to celebrate the people whose talent and dedication power our success.

Our continued growth wouldn’t be possible without our team, and it’s inspiring to see so many individuals taking on new challenges, stepping into leadership positions, and progressing within the business.

Swipe through the team’s photos to hear directly from them about their promotion and new role.

Glasgow

The recent promotions within our Glasgow office reflect both individual achievement and the wider ambitions of the business. As the team continues to grow, we must empower those who embody our core values of leadership, quality, and teamwork. These promotions support our strategic priorities and ensure that Glasgow remains a strong driving force within Wallace Whittle.

“We believe in investing in our people and supporting them as they develop their careers. The progress we’re seeing in our Glasgow office goes to show the drive and commitment of our team, and it’s this effort that fuels the wider growth of the business. With the company moving into an exciting phase, recognising and rewarding that hard work through promotions remains a key part of our approach.”

Barry McKeane, Location Director for Glasgow shared.

Warrington

As Wallace Whittle continues to expand its presence in England, we are proud to recognise the contributions of our talented team members in Warrington, who have played a pivotal role in driving this progress. Paul Dean, Director of our Warrington and Manchester offices, shared his thoughts on the recent promotions within his area.

“Alisdair & Colin’s promotions from Associate to Associate Director are true recognition of their technical performance across multiple sectors, their longevity and commitment to Wallace Whittle and their relationships and trust gained with repeat clients. Matthew has also been promoted to Intermediate Mechanical Engineer, recognising the outstanding performance he has shown since joining us as a Graduate Engineer.” Paul shared.

This kind of leadership has been instrumental in building a strong foundation for our growth in the English market. The Warrington team’s achievements reflect our wider strategy to strengthen our leadership capability as we continue expanding across the UK.

Belfast

The latest promotions in Belfast create space for greater leadership, new responsibilities, and fresh opportunities for growth. Those stepping up will be instrumental in developing their teams, enhancing quality, and helping to bring consistency across the business. Their ability to support, motivate, and work collaboratively with others will be central to our success moving forward.

“It’s been a fantastic year for our Belfast office. We’ve moved into our new office space, grown our team, and built real momentum. Aidan has been instrumental in driving this forward, and Nick’s arrival has added even more strength and depth to the team. Their promotions to Associate reflect their dedication and the positive impact they’ve made. Huge congratulations to both, I couldn’t be happier for them“

Gavin McCausland shared, Location Director for Belfast.

Birmingham

Since launching last year, our Birmingham office has gone from strength to strength under the leadership of Darren Wright, alongside Carl Saxon, Regional Director for the South of England. The team continues to demonstrate exceptional dedication, quality, and hard work, driving the growth of the office and delivering excellent outcomes for our clients. It is this commitment and “graft” that we are proud to recognise through promotions within the team.

“I’m proud of the progress our Birmingham team has made since opening last year. Seeing the dedication, talent, and teamwork every day is inspiring, and Lewis’s promotion is a great reflection of the hard work and commitment he has shown. It’s a pleasure to see our people grow and succeed.” Darren shared.

Aberdeen

Our Aberdeen office, Wallace Whittle’s most northern location, continues to go from strength to strength, serving projects across the Highlands of Scotland. The team’s dedication to high-quality delivery and client service are central to this success, and we are pleased to recognise this through a well-deserved promotion within the office.

“Douglas is a technically strong and competent engineer and his work is always carried out to a very high standard.  His promotion to Senior Electrical Engineer is very well deserved.”

Director of Aberdeen, Andy Forbes, shared.

BIM

Our BIM team is fundamental to the success of Wallace Whittle, providing expertise and guidance across projects nationwide. They ensure the consistent application of standards, facilitate seamless collaboration, and help mitigate risks, supporting both our teams and our clients. This year, several members of the BIM team have received well-deserved promotions, a testament to the department’s ongoing success and the high-quality contributions they make to the business.

“BIM is at the heart of how we deliver projects efficiently and consistently across the country. Seeing so many team members promoted this year is fantastic recognition of their dedication, skill, and commitment to supporting both our teams and our clients.”

Associate Director, Martin Lorimer shared

This year’s promotions across our offices reflect the talent, dedication, and hard work of our people. Each promotion is not just a recognition of individual achievement, but also a reflection of the collaborative spirit, expertise, and commitment that drives Wallace Whittle forward.

As we continue to grow and take on exciting projects, we remain proud to invest in our people, nurturing their careers and celebrating the successes that make our business stronger.

If you’re interested in joining Wallace Whittle or learning more about our ethos, please reach out to us at [email protected] or visit WW:Careers

Our target is to double our England turnover within the next three years. This bold ambition is underpinned by our unwavering commitment to quality and a client-focused approach, delivered through consistent standards across all Wallace Whittle locations.

With six decades of expertise rooted in Scotland, and well-established offices in London and Warrington, our recent launches in Birmingham and Manchester further demonstrate our drive for progress and sustained growth, and we’re not stopping there.

Most recently, Carl Saxon has joined Wallace Whittle as Regional Director, with responsibilities for growth across the South of England, supported by our Birmingham and London offices. With 27 years of industry experience, Carl brings a wealth of knowledge in developing teams and delivering large-scale projects across the UK. He will work closely with our Directors in Birmingham and London to propel further growth and development.

Carl shared with us,

“Wallace Whittle is first and foremost a business centered around people – colleagues, clients and communities. That’s what delivers real success and will be central to moving forward and increasing the brilliance the business already enjoys.

The standard of quality and technical expertise is unmatched so it’s now about solidifying our presence across England and becoming the defining characteristic of building services engineering. This quality and personal touch is why the team is tackling some of the sector’s biggest challenges like regulation compliance – for example securing Gateway 2 approvals – with success and a smile.

We are also keenly aware of the skills gap within our field and are proud to be supporting accessible training pathways for the next generation, as well as encouraging career progression. We are inspired by the opportunities that lie ahead and want to promote that throughout the business, the region and the industry.”

With a strategic focus on growth across the Midlands, Carl will work closely with Birmingham Location Director Darren Wright, who has played a key role in establishing our presence in the region over the past 18 months, including a recent office move to the prestigious Colmore Business District to support team growth. Darren shared:

“While we have built a strong residential portfolio in Birmingham, this continued growth is what will enable us to branch out into new territory; life sciences, healthcare, and the soaring demand for data centres. Working seamlessly and collaboratively with Warrington, Manchester and London gives us unrivalled, collective experience. We are a safe pair of hands, offering consistency regardless of where the resource comes from.”

We’ve also strengthened our London office, welcoming 14 new team members in the past two months, and relocating to a larger space. London Location Director Peter Kirk, who has been leading operations since his appointment in August, shared:

“Our team in London benefits from deep, and longstanding client relationships that Wallace Whittle has supported through extremely complex and unusual schemes. However, we are not just relying on our past success; it is important to be focused on the future. This means continuing to deliver the quality that we are known for, being that reliable partner for new and existing clients, and making room for fresh talent.

That’s how we make sure our great reputation is only going to grow further. We have the people, the expertise, the resources, and the forward plan – and it’s by bringing that all together with our personal touch to relationships that delivers true success for clients and their projects.”

Carl added, saying:

“Wallace Whittle measures success not just by commercial growth, but by the continuous stream of repeat business, which is seen as the ultimate barometer of client satisfaction and technical delivery excellence. Our England teams are dedicated to ensuring every project serves as a vehicle for the next one, fostering engaged, long-standing relationships across the industry.”

The capability and credibility of our team is reflected in major projects such as the recommenced Smithfield regeneration in Birmingham, one of the largest schemes in the Midlands outside of HS2, and the redevelopment of the Bush House South West Wing at King’s College London, led by Kier.”

The Wallace Whittle team had a fantastic two days in Manchester, connecting with industry peers, clients, and collaborators across the healthcare engineering and estates sector. 

As always, the event was a brilliant opportunity to discuss the future of healthcare design, sustainability, and innovation and to share how we’re helping shape that future through our ongoing work across the UK. 

With insightful keynote sessions focused on net zero delivery, digital innovation, and patient-centered design, IHEEM 2025 once again proved why it’s a must-attend event for healthcare professionals.  

Our stand at H16 was a hub of conversation, with our team discussing everything from MEP coordination and ESG strategy to net zero healthcare design, and of course, handing out plenty of our iconic orange socks.  

This year’s Healthcare Estates conference theme, “Prevention Is Better Than Cure” resonates with our approach to design. When it comes to building services and sustainable design for healthcare facilities, we aim to deliver end-to-end solutions, acting as both technical advisors and full-service design providers.  

We spoke to Paul Cooper, the healthcare lead for Scotland and Northern Ireland, about what’s been the most exciting innovation or trend he’s seen at IHEEM this year. 

“One of the most exciting innovations we’ve seen today is the integration of public services with the NHS. Dr. Patel’s session on the Integrated Mortuary Project really highlighted how this approach can be rolled out more widely across the country. We’ve been involved in that project from the very beginning, so it’s been fantastic to see the concept gaining traction, and we’re looking forward to seeing how it develops in future.” 

IHEEM also shed light on some of the issues we see within healthcare estates, from a lack of communication across disciplines to a lack of funding. Healthcare Lead for England, Jon Blackhurst, shared the following on the biggest challenge facing healthcare projects right now: 

“From an MEP perspective, there’s often a fine balance between funding models and energy efficiency. While there’s a strong drive towards achieving net zero, the available funding structures don’t always align with those ambitions, and that’s where careful design and strategic thinking become essential.” 

Sustainability continues to be a central theme in conversations around healthcare estates and design. With the growing drive toward Net Zero Carbon (NZC) and an increased focus on social value, healthcare facilities occupy a unique position, where patient and community experience sit at the heart of every decision.  Now more than ever, there’s a need for spaces that are both environmentally responsible and socially meaningful, offering lasting value to the people they serve. 

We spoke to Sarah Chipchase, Director of Sustainability, to explore how healthcare facilities can lead the way in demonstrating social value alongside environmental performance. 

“Healthcare facilities have a unique opportunity to combine environmental design with community benefits. 

By creating spaces that act as genuine community hubs, we can encourage people to come together, access vital services, and connect with their environment. It’s also about embracing opportunities, from renewable energy integration to green spaces that support wellbeing. What’s exciting is that users themselves are driving this change, and that momentum allows us to take the lessons learned in healthcare and apply them across other sectors too.” 

We also spoke to ESG Associate, Monika Munzinger about how the NHS can meet the ambitious target of being Net Zero by 2045.

“To meet these goals, it is essential to adopt a holistic approach that integrates ESG into every aspect of its operations, from estates and infrastructure to procurement and clinical services. 

Beyond carbon reductions, this transformation involves delivering resilient estates that support improved health outcomes. Introducing efficiencies around maintenance and upgrades now, will ensure that facilities are future-proofed and adaptable to evolving energy systems. Providing green and accessible outdoor spaces, for staff, patients and visitors, will greatly enhance wellbeing. These have the potential to provide additional benefits by prevent other health conditions in future, as well as save the NHS associated costs treating these. Embedding ESG into its core strategy, will enable the NHS to build a healthcare system that is environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and governed with integrity.”

Throughout the event, our team shared insights from projects such as The New Monklands Replacement Project, Victoria Infirmary, and Peterborough City Hospital, all of which showcase our commitment to delivering low-carbon, patient-focused healthcare environments. You can learn more about our current healthcare projects here.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our stand and joined us for a chat. It was fantastic to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new peers across the sector, and exchange ideas on how engineering, sustainability, and design continue to evolve within healthcare estates. 

As our Director for Manchester & Warrington, Paul Dean, summed up perfectly: 

“We had a really enjoyable two days at IHEEM, a combination of inspiring seminars and thought-provoking conversations. Many thanks to industry colleagues and friends who visited our stand and reached out to engage in further discussion and future debate. It’s an exciting time for the healthcare sector, and we look forward to playing an integral part in it.” 

The event once again highlighted how collaboration and innovation across disciplines are shaping the future of healthcare delivery, from MEP and sustainability to digital design and patient-centred environments. 

WWith IHEEM 2025 fast approaching, we’re taking the opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the standout healthcare projects in our portfolio.

Across the UK, we work with a wide range of prestigious clients and collaborators on construction and infrastructure projects that help shape the future of healthcare. 

This year’s Healthcare Estates conference theme, “Prevention Is Better Than Cure”, resonates strongly with our approach. When it comes to building services and sustainable design for healthcare facilities, Wallace Whittle delivers comprehensive, end-to-end solutions, acting as both technical advisors and full-service design providers. 

Our expertise spans the full spectrum of healthcare environments, from primary, secondary, and tertiary care developments to community health initiatives and care centres, including, but not limited to, the following projects: 

New University Hospital Monklands 

We are proud to be part of the transformative New University Hospital Project, a landmark development redefining what a ‘next generation’ hospital can be. This project takes a holistic, innovative approach to deliver a highly sustainable, low-carbon facility with a human-centered focus on health, wellbeing, and amenity. 

In line with Monklands’ commitment to achieving zero direct greenhouse gas emissions from heating, the design eliminates reliance on fossil fuels. Through detailed feasibility studies, client engagement, and advanced energy modelling, we’ve developed a viable route to meet Net Zero aspirations and comply with the Net Zero Carbon Public Sector Buildings (NZCPSB) guidance. 

This state-of-the-art facility will provide an exceptional level of care to the community, with extensive services including a new Emergency Department, Radiology, Radiotherapy, Cancer Care, Pharmacy, Clinical Research facilities, and modern ward blocks, all delivered with sustainability at their core. 

Victoria Infirmary 

Earlier this year saw the successful completion of our work at Victoria Infirmary, a project our teams have been engaged with since 2023. We provided full MEP design, Energy, BREEAM, and Net Zero Carbon services, along with construction-phase support through to completion, and we’re now continuing to deliver post-occupancy support to ensure long-term performance. 

This project was particularly rewarding as the development sits adjacent to the Grade II listed Verdin House, requiring sensitive integration of modern healthcare facilities within a historic context. The new extension now houses an entirely new department, featuring two state-of-the-art operating theatres and associated support accommodation, expanding vital services to the community in Northwich and the wider region. 

Balfour Hospital

This project marked a transformative development for the island of Orkney, with the modern Balfour Hospital delivering a comprehensive range of healthcare services not only for the town of Kirkwall but for the entire island population. Designed as a true ‘one-stop shop’ for care, the hospital integrates primary care, emergency and elective diagnostics, operating theatres, outpatient, daycare, and inpatient services, alongside GP and dental care, all under one roof. 

Beyond its clinical facilities, the hospital also offers a host of community-focused spaces, including multifunctional conference rooms, a restaurant, seating areas, a shop, a therapy garden, a children’s play area, and extensive outdoor spaces to support wellbeing and connection. 

A major part of the project was creating a future-proof, sustainable strategy tailored to Orkney’s unique renewable energy capacity. By harnessing local resources, we developed a hybrid heat pump solution that balances legislative requirements with practical considerations, ensuring a resilient and low-carbon energy system for years to come. 

New Gorbals Health & Care Centre 

The Gorbals Health & Care Centre brings together an extensive range of primary care, clinical, social care and voluntary support services under one roof, creating a truly integrated facility for the local community. Services span from GP practices and outreach clinics to physiotherapy and podiatry, alongside mental health, children and family services, rehabilitation and enablement support, community and private dental care, voluntary organisations and CHCP staff and management teams. This makes the centre a genuine one-stop hub for health and wellbeing in the Gorbals area of Glasgow. 

A key driver of the project was alignment with the Scottish Futures Trust Reference Community Healthcare Programme, ensuring cost and programme targets were fully achieved. Wallace Whittle was involved from the early stages, advising on building orientation, façade materials and window design, decisions that enabled us to optimise building services solutions and deliver a high-performing, energy-efficient facility. 

Since opening, the Gorbals Health & Care Centre has been widely recognised for its design and delivery, including Winner of the Health Facilities Scotland Award for Design Excellence (2019) and Finalist at the Scottish Property Awards for Healthcare Development (2020). 

Golden Jubilee National Hospital 

The expansion of the Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Dalmuir has been a landmark project for our team, delivered in multiple phases over several years to meet Scotland’s growing demand for elective care. 

Phase 1 saw the creation of a purpose-built Eye Centre, featuring six state-of-the-art theatres with integrated outpatient and diagnostic facilities. This phase has already set a new standard of care, particularly for patients undergoing cataract surgery, and laid a strong foundation for the hospital’s future development. 

Phase 2 further elevated the hospital’s capabilities, introducing a new Surgical Centre with expanded facilities for general surgery, orthopaedics, endoscopy, and a dedicated Day Case/Day Surgery Admission Unit. These upgrades have significantly increased capacity and streamlined patient care. We delivered MEP and sustainability consultancy to ensure the hospital not only meets current clinical needs but does so with energy efficiency and long-term resilience in mind. 

Peterborough City Hospital

The £347 million Peterborough City Hospital project encompasses a major Acute Hospital, Mental Health Unit and Integrated Care Centre, delivering a comprehensive range of healthcare services under one unified development. Our role was key in meeting the diverse requirements of multiple stakeholders, helping to design high-performance, low-carbon facilities that support both clinical excellence and environmental sustainability. 

Since the completion of the main development, our involvement has continued through a series of remodelling works and additional building projects designed to adapt the facility to changing needs. Initially, we provided MEP Design and feasibility to Stage 4 and now act as the client’s MEP Technical Advisors, overseeing a variety of ongoing works, including the recent 4th-floor ward conversion, ensuring that the hospital continues to evolve with resilience and efficiency at its core. 

Greenock Health & Care Centre 

Delivered in partnership with Hub West Scotland on behalf of NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, the Greenock Health Centre stands proudly on the former Wellington Academy site in the heart of Greenock. Handed over in March 2021, the new facility has replaced the existing health centre with modern, purpose-built health and social care premises, significantly expanding the range of services available to the community. 

The centre offers a comprehensive range of services under one roof; from four GP practices to community dental facilities, podiatry, physiotherapy, sexual health clinics, child and adolescent mental health services, district nursing, and a host of other treatment spaces and dedicated community outreach clinics. 

Since opening, the Greenock Health & Care Centre has become a vital asset to the local community and surrounding areas. Its impact has been recognised with multiple accolades, including Highly Commended for Design Excellence by NHS Assure, Finalist for Health Care Development of the Year at the Scottish Property Awards (2022), Finalist for the Public Sector Projects Award at the 2022 RICS Awards, and Highly Commended for Best Healthcare Development at the Building Better Healthcare Awards (2022). 

Warwick Hospital

The proposed Phase 2 development at Warwick Hospital will deliver a diagnostic and day surgery hub designed to serve the local community and enhance patient care. Spanning 7,000m², the new building will complement the hospital’s upcoming main entrance and feature five state-of-the-art operating theatres, X-ray, MRI, and CT clusters, Urology and Women’s Health departments, as well as staff accommodation and administrative spaces.

Meeting HTM compliance and ambitious Net Zero energy targets is central to the client’s brief, with the design incorporating low- to zero-carbon building services solutions and a fabric-first approach to energy efficiency to ensure a sustainable, resilient, and future-proof facility. Wallace Whittle is providing MEP design and sustainability consultancy services, supporting the delivery of a modern, efficient, and patient-focused healthcare environment.

At Wallace Whittle, we’re proud to play a key role in delivering healthcare environments that prioritise patient care, staff wellbeing, energy efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Our involvement in these projects reflects our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence across the healthcare sector. 

As we prepare for Healthcare Estates 2025, we’re looking forward to sharing our insights, connecting with industry peers, and exploring how together we can continue to shape the future of healthcare. To learn more about our attendees, read our latest article. 

For more on our Healthcare Expertise, you can visit our dedicated page here.