Building the future of community healthcare in Chorley

A smarter, sustainable solution for growing patient needs

A new purpose-built facility, in line with modern healthcare standards, was the main objective for Chorley Council in 2017, when it began its journey to develop a new GP surgery.

Chorley’s population had outgrown its existing GP facilities, prompting the need for a sustainable new hub to better serve the area.

FWP Group was initially appointed to take a three-storey concept design through to planning. As the brief evolved, commercial and ancillary elements were omitted to focus fully on delivering a two-storey, state-of-the-art healthcare facility, one tailored to patient demand, wellbeing and clinical efficiency.

Collaboration across disciplines

Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard was part of the wider project team, supporting FWP, delivery contractor Rayner Rowen Construction and Chorley Council.

Procured through a regional framework, the project progressed with a full set of employer’s requirements, evaluation criteria, and tender documents prepared to ensure transparency and consistency throughout the procurement process.

How Sypro supported efficient, compliant contract delivery under JCT

Delivered under the JCT Design & Build 2016 contract, the project required clear, consistent contract administration. The team used Sypro to manage key processes including:

• Instructions
• Programme updates
• Variations
• Early warnings
• Communications tracking

Across the project, our platform logged 84 key communications, including 27 risks and 22 variations, giving the whole team real-time insight into project risks, responses and actions. It helped reduce delays, manage change proactively and keep stakeholders aligned.

Programme control and reporting

Eleven formal programme submissions were tracked and managed via Sypro, keeping the council and project team fully informed and aligned on progress. The platform’s shared digital environment enabled transparent, collaborative decision-making in line with JCT contract requirements, giving stakeholders confidence that contractual processes were being followed and managed effectively.

From concept to completion

Following a competitive tender process, the Whittle GP Surgery was completed on Preston Road in 2022 and now serves as a flagship BREEAM Excellent facility, featuring:

• 10 consulting rooms
• 2 treatment rooms
• A+ energy performance
• Solar panels and EV charging
• Modern staff and training areas
• Spacious, accessible patient zones

Designed to support both patients and staff, the building features accessible facilities, spacious waiting areas and breakout and training spaces – helping to futureproof healthcare provision for the local community.

Insights from the delivery team

Robin Hamblett, Senior Cost Manager at Pick Everard, said: “Investment in healthcare provision is a crucial undertaking as local authorities across the country seek to upgrade their infrastructure for growing patient demand.

“With several project partners involved across the build, Sypro’s contract management software was effective in navigating stakeholder relations and ensuring effective communications across the project timeline. Our thanks go to all stakeholders in delivering this state-of-the-art community facility.”