FP McCann Precast Concrete Brick Slip Panels for the Princess of Wales Hospital Multi-Storey Car Park
FP McCann played a pivotal role in the development of the multi-storey car park (MSCP) at Princess of Wales Hospital in Ely, Cambridgeshire. This project, once complete, will provide 271 car parking spaces, 8 motorcycle bays, and external bicycle parking, supporting the growing needs of hospital staff and visitors. The car park has been carefully designed to balance both function and aesthetics, ensuring it integrates seamlessly into the surrounding urban context.
The car park’s structure features a modular steel frame, with external cladding made up of vertical aluminium fins in earthy tones of brown and green. This cladding was chosen to complement the landscaping and tree planting around the building. For the two lift and stair cores, FP McCann supplied precast concrete panels finished with a buff-coloured brick slip application, adding a natural aesthetic that aligns with the overall design.
Early involvement in the design phase allowed FP McCann to collaborate with the main contractor, Octavius Infrastructure, to ensure the brick slip panels met both aesthetic and functional requirements. The decision to use precast concrete brick slip panels for the stair cores not only fulfilled the architectural vision but also offered numerous practical benefits. The off-site manufacture of the panels streamlined the construction process, eliminating the need for scaffolding, block work, and brick laying. This resulted in a faster, more efficient on-site installation.
The installation process, carried out by a skilled team of fixers, was completed in just 28 days. In total, 71 precast concrete brick slip external wall panels were installed, including floor and landing slabs with matching brick slip edging to ensure a consistent finish throughout the project.
The use of precast concrete panels contributed significantly to the project’s success, allowing for faster completion, reduced on-site disruption, and a high-quality, durable finish. As the MSCP nears completion later this year, it will provide the hospital with a state-of-the-art car park that meets both the practical needs of its users and the aesthetic goals of the overall development. FP McCann’s contribution to this project highlights the advantages of off-site precast solutions in delivering high-quality results on time and within budget.