Maple Ward facility at Longley Centre, Sheffield

Henry Boot Construction has begun major refurbishment works on Maple Ward, a mental health unit at the Longley Centre in Sheffield.

Aimed at providing a safer and more-supportive space for staff and patients, the £3m upgrade includes full refurbishment of the two-storey unit and a redesign of the layout to create 17 ensuite bedrooms, an accessible bedroom, calming de-escalation facilities, and a newly-landscaped courtyard.

As part of the improvements, the team will also be installing new drainage, manholes, and window and door openings, alongside refurbishing mechanical and electrical systems.

And patient safety will be a key focus, with the removal of fixed ligature anchor points throughout the site.

The renovation will create or upgrade several essential spaces, including a quiet space, dining room, staff rest area, lounge, clinic room, and dispensary.

Commenting on the project, Lee Powell, managing director of Henry Boot Construction, said: “This project is obviously much more than just bricks and mortar – it’s about creating a safe, calming, and supportive space for those experiencing urgent mental health needs.

“The refurbished ward will also be complemented by a new garden courtyard, creating another open-air retreat for self reflection and relaxation.

“Well-designed healthcare environments are extremely important for our community, and we’re committed to ensuring the space meets the highest standards for both patients and staff.”

Adele Sabin, head of the therapeutic environments programme which is behind this refurbishment, added: “We are doing this work to put the comfort and safety of our service users at the forefront, removing ligature anchor points and creating high-quality environments for care.

“I’m really excited to see our plans for the site come to fruition and I am very proud of everything our team has done to get us to this stage of making our plans a reality.”

The refurbishment is expected to complete in late autumn and the ward will then be reopened.