Project case study

12-Bed Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) – Tameside (UPDATED 2025)

Client: Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
Project Value: £4.8 million
Location: Tameside, Greater Manchester
Completion: October 2022
RIBA Stages: 0–6

Project Overview

PHP Projects was appointed by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust to manage the full redevelopment of a psychiatric care facility across two sites. The project included the demolition of an existing decant ward and the construction of a new 12-bed Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Tameside, alongside the refurbishment of a separate facility to create a 10-bed female intensive care unit.

Scope of Works

New Build: A purpose-designed 12-bed PICU constructed on the Tameside site following the demolition of an outdated decant ward

Refurbishment: Transformation of an existing unit at a separate location into a 10-bed female intensive care ward

Clinical-Led Design: Close collaboration with staff to reflect real-world operational needs and patient-centred care

Design Features

Working alongside clinical teams, we developed a set of design priorities that informed every aspect of the build:

Enhanced lines of sight for observation and safety

Increased recreation, therapy, and engagement space for service users

Improved external access for therapeutic benefit

Built-in design strategies for managing clinical risk and ward movement

Secure environments meeting the specific needs of psychiatric care settings

All design goals were balanced with the Trust’s commitment to patient dignity, staff safety, and regulatory compliance.

Our Role

PHP Projects led the delivery from project inception through to handover, including:

  • Full project management through RIBA Stages 0–6
  • Engagement with multidisciplinary stakeholders
  • Coordination of demolition, construction, and refurbishment activities across sites
  • Management of timeline, budget, and clinical compliance

Key Outcomes

  • Delivered on time, on budget, and fully to specification
  • Facilities reflect best practice in psychiatric intensive care
  • Strong alignment with Trust priorities for safety, therapeutic environments, and operational resilience

Delivering safe, therapeutic spaces for complex mental health care?

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