Robertson Construction North West has installed an inflatable roofing tent system as part of the £38m redevelopment of Royal Bolton Hospital.
The project for Bolton NHS Foundation Trust saw a 35m-long air-filled tent structure installed on the roof of the hospital while it remains operational. This is the first time this technology – which was supplied by Njordair – has been used as part of a roofing solution in the UK by a Tier 1 contractor.
The use of traditional scaffolding posed significant logistical challenges for the hospital due to the roof’s complex layout, interconnected buildings, and the need to maintain 24-hour access to critical areas including the hospital’s oxygen store.
Instead, providing a fully weatherproof working environment, the tent system was inflated using a constant-flow air system and powered by the hospital’s carbon-free mains electricity. Each modular tent can be fully deployed in just seven minutes and deflated in three.
The works will see 100 per cent of the maternity unit’s RAAC roof replaced, alongside the installation of new mechanical and electrical systems, forming a key part of the wider project that addresses RAAC across the hospital.
Robertson Group CEO Elliot Robertson said: “We are always looking for new innovations that help us deliver high-quality projects and services for our customers. This initiative demonstrates what’s possible when our teams challenge convention, share expertise, and embrace innovation to deliver real value for our customers and the communities they serve. As the partner of choice for the Trust to deliver essential RAAC replacement and create modern, safe, and welcoming healthcare environments we needed to find a solution that didn’t impact on the day-to-day operations at the hospital.
“We hope this redefines how complex roofing and refurbishment works can be delivered across our industry and inspires the exploration of smarter, more sustainable ways of working.”
Annette Walker, CFO at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re really pleased with the progress to transform our Maternity and Women’s Health Unit into a space that’s safe and better equipped for patients and staff. This is a key phase of the work as we carefully remove the RAAC.”
Njordair director and co-founder Aubrey Kingsbury added: “Out of almost a decade of experience, we have never seen our product used in this way in the UK. Fast Tent is made from heavy-duty, flame-retardant PVC and can withstand high winds and the toughest of weather, making it well-suited for this project. It’s been a pleasure working alongside Robertson, whose attention to detail and commitment to innovation have taken an already proven product to the next level.”
