Robertson Construction Introduces Groundbreaking Inflatable Roofing System at Royal Bolton Hospital
Robertson Construction North West has unveiled a pioneering inflatable roofing tent system during the £38 million redevelopment of Royal Bolton Hospital for Bolton NHS Foundation Trust. This innovative approach aims to enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability in construction operations.
The air-filled tent structure, measuring 35 metres in length, has been specifically engineered for installation at height on the hospital’s roof while it remains operational. This marks the first instance of such technology being employed as a roofing solution in the UK by a Tier 1 contractor.
Designed to provide a fully weatherproof working environment, the inflatable structure is powered by the hospital’s carbon-free mains electricity and inflated using a constant-flow air system. Each modular tent can be deployed in just seven minutes and deflated in three, significantly streamlining the construction process.
The project involves the complete replacement of the maternity unit’s Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) roof, alongside the installation of new mechanical and electrical systems. This initiative is a crucial component of the broader project addressing RAAC issues throughout the hospital.
Traditional scaffolding presented considerable logistical challenges due to the hospital’s intricate layout, interconnected buildings, and the necessity to maintain 24-hour access to critical areas, including the oxygen store. By employing lightweight scaffolding in conjunction with the modular tent system, Robertson has successfully ensured the continuity of the construction programme while minimising disruption to hospital operations, thereby safeguarding the safety, privacy, and comfort of both patients and staff.
This innovative solution allows hospital services to remain fully operational, in stark contrast to the substantial disruption that would have arisen from conventional methods.
Robertson developed the custom tent modules through a meticulous temporary works design process. The tents are designed for ease of movement and installation, providing enhanced flexibility and agility throughout the programme without the delays typically associated with traditional scaffolding adjustments. Unlike conventional sheeting, which is often discarded after a single use, these tents are built for long-term application.
A total of 13 tents, featuring integrated personnel doors for improved logistics, material handling, and safe access routes, will be deployed over the 40-week roof replacement programme.
Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer of Robertson Group, remarked: “We are continually seeking innovative solutions that enable us to deliver high-quality projects and services for our clients. This initiative exemplifies the potential that arises when our teams challenge conventional practices, share expertise, and embrace innovation to provide genuine value for our customers and the communities we serve. As the preferred partner for the Trust in delivering essential RAAC replacements and creating modern, safe, and welcoming healthcare environments, we recognised the need for a solution that would not disrupt the hospital’s daily operations.”
Annette Walker, Chief Finance Officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, expressed satisfaction with the progress made in transforming the Maternity and Women’s Health Unit into a safer and better-equipped space for patients and staff. “This is a key phase of the work as we carefully remove the RAAC. This multi-million-pound transformation represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare for Bolton, creating a modern, state-of-the-art Maternity and Women’s Health Unit that will provide life-changing care for years to come,” she stated.
The Fast Tent product is supplied by Njordair, with Director and Co-Founder Aubrey Kingsbury commenting: “In nearly a decade of experience, we have never seen our product utilised in this manner in the UK. Fast Tent is constructed from heavy-duty, flame-retardant PVC and is designed to withstand high winds and severe weather, making it ideally suited for this project. Collaborating with Robertson, whose attention to detail and commitment to innovation have elevated an already proven product, has been a rewarding experience.”
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust has appointed WeBuild Healthcare as the main contractor for this project, with Robertson serving as the delivery partner through Lot 2 of ProCure23, part of the Crown Commercial Service’s Construction Works and Associated Services Framework.
