The Northumbria Health and Care Academy, a £32m education centre, has made history as the first healthcare building in the UK to achieve Gold WELL Certification (trademarked) from the International WELL Building Institute.
Located on the site of the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington, the Academy was designed by P+HS Architects and constructed by Meldrum Group, a UK-based construction company.
Steve Waggett, Meldrum Group Service Delivery Director commented: “It is fantastic to see the Academy building attaining its WELL Gold standard, as this is the first scheme Meldrum Construction have delivered that required a WELL Certification.
“From the outset, the whole project team collaborated really well to ensure that the health and well-being of the end users was foremost in our thoughts at every stage, from the provision of a new walking trail, to the careful selection of the materials and finishes nothing was left to chance. It’s a credit to the efforts of the team that we achieved the gold level of certification.”
The Northumbria Health and Care Academy, a £32m education centre, has made history as the first healthcare building in the UK to achieve Gold WELL Certification
Sharon Cook, healthcare lead and project designer from P+HS Architects, added: “Making sure the Academy met the needs of those who would be using it was a key priority for us during this project, and we collaborated closely with end users to design a space that truly supports their health and well-being.
“Guided by the principles of WELL, we incorporated features such as a calming, nature-inspired interior palette, expansive floor to ceiling windows to maximise natural light, and communal outdoor garden spaces to promote health and restoration.
“This certification underscores the meaningful impact this award-winning facility will have on both the workforce and patients, setting a benchmark for future healthcare environments.”
Hilson Moran, a UK-based engineering consultant, served as WELL Accredited Professionals on the project. They worked closely with Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management, which continues to be involved in the building’s ongoing management.
Guided by the principles of WELL, we incorporated features such as a calming, nature-inspired interior palette
The International WELL Building Institute is the global authority on transforming health and well-being in buildings, organisations, and communities worldwide.
The WELL Building Standard assesses both design and operational excellence, focusing on ten key concepts that enhance health and well-being.
Achieving this prestigious certification highlights the Academy’s commitment to integrating well-being into its design, construction, and daily use.
Commissioned in partnership with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, the Academy serves as a centre of training excellence for nursing, midwifery, and allied health professionals.
Since opening in June 2024, more than 3,000 students and staff have benefited from a space designed with wellbeing at its core
Since opening in June 2024, more than 3,000 students and staff have benefited from a space designed with wellbeing at its core—offering healthy food choices, a dedicated nature walking trail, and a range of bespoke facilities.
The Academy includes classrooms, clinical practice areas equipped with the latest immersive teaching technology, and a GP practice on the ground floor.
The NPC Northumbria Way, part of Northumbria Primary Care, provides not-for-profit primary care services across Northumberland and North Tyneside.