Integra scoops industry award – thanks to Banksy!

Modular construction specialist Integra Buildings has claimed a prestigious
industry award – thanks to mysterious artist Banksy!

Integra won the Project of the Year – Healthcare award at the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Awards for the design, manufacture and delivery of a bespoke facility for NHS staff to relax, unwind and recharge.

The project to create The Wellbeing Hub at Southampton General Hospital was in part thanks to elusive street artist Banksy, who donated a piece of artwork called “Game Changer” to the Southampton Hospitals Charity. The work depicted a little boy playing with a toy nurse and his other superhero toys, reflecting the dedication of NHS heroes in the Covid crisis.

Game Changer was auctioned for a record breaking £16.7m, raising funds for more than 40 healthcare organisations and charities across the UK, including funding projects such as The Wellbeing Hub.

The bespoke building features an open plan gymnasium, relaxation lounge, kitchen, and changing and shower facilities, as well as multi-purpose rooms where NHS staff can rest and relax or take part in team building activities. All the facilities are free for hospital staff to use.

The building comprises of 20 modular bays, manufactured at Integra’s headquarters in East Yorkshire headquarters, which were then delivered to site before being assembled by Integra’s team.

Integra Managing Director Chris Turner, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have won such a prestigious award. It’s been hugely satisfying to deliver a facility which supports the health and wellbeing of NHS staff and is a fitting legacy to the vital role they played during the pandemic.

“This award is a tribute to our own team and our project partners, who, together, pulled out all the stops to deliver an outstanding building that complements its surroundings and supports sustainability and biodiversity, which are both key priorities for the Southampton NHS Trust.

“Recognition for this project also reinforces our national reputation as a leader in the delivery of modular buildings for healthcare organisations, as well as other key sectors.”

The client, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, paid tribute to Integra for the quality of the facility and delivery of the project.

Paul Stansfield, Principal Project Manager, Estates Facilities and Capital Developments, said: “Integra ensured that they provided a professional service every step of the way. The team delivered the project from end to end, demonstrating a determination to deliver the building to the highest standards.

“The finished product speaks for itself and is now enjoyed by our 14,000 staff, providing a modern, relaxing and essential wellbeing environment.”

Staged at Birmingham’s Hyatt Regency Hotel and hosted by comedian Justin Moorhouse, the MMC Awards celebrate excellence and achievement in the modular construction sector.

The MMC Awards win, in a category sponsored by temporary accommodation provider Algeco, is the latest recognition for Integra, coming just a few months after the business was shortlisted for the Sustainable/Ethical Manufacturer Award in the Insider Made in Yorkshire Awards 2024.

Founded 26 years ago, Integra has experienced rapid growth in recent years as modular construction has become an increasingly preferred building method.

The company now employs 185 people and has delivered prestigious projects for major clients including Triumph Motorcycles; water company Severn Trent; construction and infrastructure business Kier Group; the Ministry of Defence; Network Rail; Transport for London; housebuilder Berkeley Group; and Gressingham Foods.

The full list of MMC Awards winners can be found here.