Kevin Jackson Architects and O’Connell Mahon Architects were jointly appointed to deliver a podium shell extension to the 96 Bed Block, which was completed in 2025. Essentially an enabling project, it includes exemplar designs for future clinical functions within the shell and for a further 96 Bed Block, which is to be realised directly above and subsequent to completion of the extension.

The podium extension forms the first phase of the development and provides two levels of future medical accommodation above a new double basement car park, together with hospital streets, plant and service infrastructure, parking and landscaped courtyards. It has been designed to connect with the existing Emergency, Renal and Outpatients Departments and to provide a coordinated base for the future ward accommodation above.

In 2025 KJA and OCMA lodged a separate planning application for the 96 Bed Ward Block which was subsequently granted. The design conforms to the Protective Development Control Plan for the UHL campus developing the new ‘urban edge’ that was initially conceived with the Critical Care Unit development in 2010. It follows the design and material expression developed for Block A which won the Building and Architect of the Year Awards 2026 – Medical & Health and incorporates projecting bay bedroom windows providing views and which give rhythm and articulation to the St Nessan’s Road elevation.