The scheme will see approximately 1,500 m² of existing educational facilities remodelled and refurbished to house advanced diagnostic services, including MRI and CT scanning.
By bringing these capabilities closer to local communities, the new centre aims to strengthen regional diagnostic capacity and reduce pressure on existing hospital infrastructure.
The project was procured through the Refit & Refurbishment Framework, which Pagobo manages on behalf of Red Kite Learning Trust.
The use of the same framework to procure enabling works underscores its adaptability in supporting multi-sector, complex health-infrastructure developments.
Key project highlights
- Client: Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Framework route: Pagobo’s Refit & Refurbishment Framework (on behalf of Red Kite Learning Trust)
- Contractor: ASHE
- Scope: Remodelling and refurbishment of circa 1,500 m² of campus space into a Community Diagnostic Centre with MRI/CT imaging
- Procurement of enabling works: also via the same framework, evidencing flexibility in delivery
Benefits & regional impact
- Once operational, the new diagnostic centre will:
- Improve access to high-quality imaging services closer to patients
- Reduce the burden on hospitals by decentralising diagnostic demand
- Help shorten waiting times for critical tests
- Enhance collaboration between healthcare and educational estates
The University of Bedfordshire has also publicly committed to facilitating this project via campus space, indicating the scheme will occupy parts of its Luton campus and include features such as a dedicated entrance and phased works.
Work is expected to progress in stages, beginning with enabling and strip-out phases, followed by full construction and installation of medical imaging equipment.
This initiative exemplifies how procurement frameworks, cross-sector collaboration, and creative reuse of existing buildings can deliver transformational health infrastructure more efficiently and responsively.