Mental health refurbishment project. A local mental health support service in Wigan wanted to transform an existing office space into a welcoming café environment for individuals experiencing crisis. Working alongside the wider project team, our mechanical and electrical engineers developed the detailed designs for the mental health refurbishment. At the same time, we created a space that balances critical safety requirements with a warm atmosphere. Despite tight budget constraints, we worked closely with the client to overcome tight budget constraints, carefully providing design solutions that create a dignified, comfortable support space. Ultimately, our designs delivered an environment that provides both practical protection and emotional comfort for vulnerable community members.
CLIENT: Greater Manchester Mental Health
LOCATION: Wigan, Greater Manchester
SERVICES: Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
RIBA STAGES: 4-5
SECTOR: Healthcare | Mental Health
CLIENT OBJECTIVES FOR MENTAL HEALTH REFURBISHMENT
The client wanted to refurbish a 90s double-fronted retail space on Crompton Street Wigan into a warm and homely environment for individuals experiencing crisis. A support space that feels far from clinical or institutional, a café that would foster a sense of safety, dignity, and community for its users.
However, one of the key challenges the client faced was working within a tight budget, which required careful planning and multiple rounds of value engineering to ensure the design intent was met without compromising quality or functionality.
Equally importantly, the client was keen to avoid a clinical or institutional feel, which is often associated with support facilities. To achieve this balance, they wanted a thoughtful balance between anti-ligature and non-anti-ligature elements. Although safety remained paramount, especially for vulnerable individuals, it was equally important that the space did not feel overly restrictive or sterile.
OUR MENTAL HEALTH REFURBISHMENT BESPOKE SOLUTION
To bring the concept to life, PSA acted as the Mechanical and Electrical design engineers, working closely with the architect, Gilling Dod, and main contractors, Red Tree Building Contractors, to develop a fully coordinated and practical design. From the outset, we took on the complex task of translating the warm, homely concept into a functional space that met all safety requirements.
Throughout the project, we carried out extensive value engineering to maintain financial viability without compromising the design intent. As a result, we identified cost-saving opportunities, ensuring that the final design preserved both functionality and the desired aesthetic. In addition, we provided design clarifications, attending site meetings, and resolving construction challenges as they arose.
As part of the solution we designed:
- Heating, ventilation and cooling systems
- Lighting and power
- Water supply
- Safety and security systems
OUTCOME
As a result, the project transformed the former HealthyRoutes Wigan office into a supportive, dignified space that challenges traditional support facility design. Furthermore, by prioritising both safety and emotional well-being, we created an environment that offers genuine support to individuals in crisis. Ultimately, the project demonstrates how the power of thoughtful, compassionate design.
Similarly, projects for mental health facilities we have worked on include:
Hospital Refurbishment for NHS Mental Health Facility – MEP Consultancy – PSA
Greater Manchester Mental Health Crisis Cafe – PSA
Greater Manchester Mental Health – Central Park Hub – PSA
Images courtesy of: Gilling Dod
