How we helped to shape the groundbreaking National Health Innovation Campus masterplan

Developed in close collaboration with the University and shaped by a long-standing partnership, we created a strategic masterplan that goes far beyond the design of individual buildings. The campus brings together academia, the NHS and industry to deliver forward-thinking, integrated solutions to health education and care – especially in response to the complex challenges facing today’s health sector.

The masterplan reimagines the University’s presence within the town, extending its civic reach and creating a new gateway that reinforces Huddersfield’s identity as a centre for health and social innovation. Prioritising shared facilities, flexible spaces and a strong sense of place, the campus has been designed to foster cross-sector collaboration and inclusive community engagement.

A key aspect of the masterplan is the University’s ambition to establish a WELL campus – promoting health, wellbeing and sustainability in every aspect of the environment. This ambition aligns with the integrated approach taken across the development, where spaces for teaching, clinical training and community care sit side by side, encouraging real-world learning and public involvement.

The NHIC also seeks to attract partner organisations that bring fresh ideas and innovative thinking to healthcare delivery – especially in navigating funding, workforce and spatial challenges. It marks a bold step in futureproofing both education and care for the region.

Watch below to see how the vision is taking shape.

Setting a new standard in healthcare education

The first step in delivering the masterplan was to understand how the campus was being used, and how it could work better. We asked: how can we improve the experience for students, staff and visitors? The answer lay in a holistic approach, focused on how people move through the site, connect with one another, and engage with their surroundings.

This thinking shaped a new ‘sticky campus’ model — a place designed to encourage people to stay and connect throughout the day. Open terraces, flexible spaces and welcoming landscapes support learning, wellbeing and collaboration.

The Daphne Steele Building, the first to be completed on the campus, brings this vision to life. The WELL Platinum certified building sets a new benchmark for health-focused design and sustainable placemaking.

Inside, our innovative design reimagines the student experience, embedding the full patient journey from the outset. To support real-world learning and evolving teaching and research demands, the building provides high-fidelity simulation spaces and community-facing clinics, alongside dedicated life sciences laboratories. These facilities not only enhance local access to care but also strengthen the bridge between academic research and frontline healthcare delivery.

Discover more about the groundbreaking building here

Excitingly, the momentum continues with the Emily Siddon Building, the next major project on campus.

The specialist facility is a joint venture with the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust which also include a CDC, alongside health innovation, teaching in radiography and the capacity for further health trust clients.

Keep an eye on our social media channels LinkedIn and Instagram as we share more project milestones.

You can also visit our extensive project portfolio to discover how we are shaping the future of healthcare, education and innovation through transformative masterplans and buildings here.