Kier has completed the refurbishment of a new ‘vintage seaside’-themed donor centre for NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) in Brighton to support the drive for blood donation.

The new permanent Brighton Blood Donor Centre will have capacity for 1,100 appointments a week, with the blood donated having the potential to save up to 3,300 lives.

Kier Places, the principal contractor, delivered the new centre in 14 weeks, working in partnership with multi-disciplinary consultancy, Pick Everard, which delivered architecture, interior design, and mechanical and electrical (M&E) services.

The facility is one of three permanent centres opened by the NHS over the last 10 months as part of NHSBT’s strategy to increase blood stocks and donor numbers across England.

This includes Concept House in Southampton, which opened in June this year – also delivered by Kier Places and Pick Everard.

The new centre includes six donation chairs, a recovery bed, individual consultation rooms, staff area including chill-out room and prayer room, modern waiting area, and environmentally-controlled storage spaces.

Existing M&E elements were stripped out and replaced to meet new healthcare standards.

Thecentre has been designed with a ‘vintage seaside’ theme, with the flooring featuring a sand effect, pastel colours used throughout the interior, photography of well-known Brighton and Hove sites, and consultation rooms named after prominent local landmarks, including the Royal Pavilion and Palace Pier.

Alec Jackman, regional director for Building Solutions, part of Kier Places, said: “This new centre represents a significant step forward for NHSBT in Brighton and we’re proud to have played a part in delivering a facility that will directly benefit patients and the wider community.

“Our expertise lies in delivering fast-paced refurbishment projects, and this scheme is a strong example of how we can transform existing spaces into modern, fit-for-purpose healthcare environments.

“The urgency around blood donation meant speed and precision were essential, and our teams, alongside our trusted partners, delivered exactly that.”

Caroline Walker, chief executive of NHSBT, added: “We are delighted to open this fantastic new donor centre, which will make it possible for even more people in Brighton to become lifesaving blood donors.

“The NHS needs over 200,000 new donors every year and we hope the new centre in Brighton will increase the number of donors so the NHS has the right mix of blood types to meet demand.”

Commenting on the transformation of the building, Choolwe Lourens, architect at Pick Everard, said: “Transforming a former commercial space into a purpose-built healthcare facility required close collaboration across the project team.

“We’re proud to have delivered a design that is welcoming, sympathetic of the locality – and most importantly, tailored to the needs of donors and staff alike.

“This project highlights how thoughtful, user-focused design can enhance essential services and deliver real value to the community.”