Project Newsletter - January 2026
Project overview
Work is progressing well on Milton Keynes University Hospital’s new Imaging Centre, which will replace the existing single-storey MRI scanner building and provide a modern, high-quality diagnostic facility for our community.
Construction is taking place within a fully operational hospital, on a restricted site footprint. Throughout the works, maintaining safe pedestrian routes and public access has remained our top priority, and we are grateful for everyone’s patience and cooperation.
Key milestones
- Works commenced: August 2024
- Demolition of existing building: October 2024
- Crane removed mid December 25
- Planned completion: End of March 2026
The project programme is driven by the need to achieve a dust-free internal environment, which is essential to allow specialist ventilation and equipment commissioning.
Inside the building
- Plant rooms are now largely complete, with commissioning progressing well.
- Level 2 is at an advanced stage, with a focus on high-quality finishes such as ceilings and decorating.
- Painters are currently on site, and a sample room will be reviewed by the Trust shortly.
A carefully sequenced programme is in place over the coming weeks to ensure the building is ready for commissioning, including flooring, cleaning, and ventilation testing.
Image 1 - Level 3 plant room
Image 2 - Benchmarked Ultrasound sample room
Image 3 - Finished handrails to main stair
Image 4 - Level 2 Corridor with Finished Doors and Floors Installed
External works
Externally, progress is clearly visible:
- Hoardings are being removed, allowing kerb lines and road edges to be completed
- The crane base has been successfully removed
- Perimeter waterproofing works are underway and nearing completion
- Roadside and external works are expected to finish by mid-March 2026
Image 1 - Green roof on level 3
Image 2 - Ongoing removal of crane base
Safety and quality
We are pleased to report that there have been no accidents on site to date — a fantastic achievement by everyone involved.
Recent audits and inspections have praised the project team for strong safety standards and effective collaboration.
Looking ahead
Breakthrough works connecting the new building to the live hospital are planned for late February through March, coordinated closely with the Trust to minimise disruption.
- MRI installations will take place after building completion:
- First MRI: 28 March 2026
- Second MRI: 6 June 2026
- CT machines will be installed end of March
- Traffic management and final external works will continue alongside these activities.