PROJECT OVERVIEW

Hannan Associates are providing Building Services Engineering consultancy for the major refurbishment & reconfiguration of Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey at the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Ronald McDonald House UK provide free ‘home away from home’ accommodation for families whose children are undergoing treatment, giving them a warm and welcoming environment where they can stay for as long as they need.

The brief focused on optimising flexibility, enhancing public-facing facilities, and future-proofing the building’s capacity to support evolving healthcare models. The team undertook an in-depth review of existing spaces, operational needs, and feedback from families and staff across the Charity’s UK network. Critically, the proposals also needed to allow for a phased redevelopment which would allow half the building to remain operational during construction – preserving vital support for families.

Central to the scheme is the relocation of the main entrance from the east to the west of the site to improve integration with green spaces and community areas and provide a more visible and welcoming arrival point. 

Accommodation has been carefully rebalanced to prioritise accessibility and family flexibility. While the total number of bedrooms is reduced from 68 to 62, the scheme introduces larger, more accessible units, upgraded ensuites, and additional flexible family rooms. New family kitchens on each floor and fully refurbished bedrooms offer improved living conditions tailored to the unique challenges faced by residents.

Communal and day-visitor spaces will be significantly upgraded, with new facilities for family support, relaxation, and wellbeing. These include spaces for hairdressing, yoga, quiet reflection and outdoor play. A new landscaped garden further enhances the experience for residents and visitors alike – supporting mental and physical wellbeing through contact with nature.

While designing the MEP systems we have remained mindful of the charity’s mission and operational requirements to ensure that the work is undertaken as sensitively as possible while delivering meaningful, user-focused enhancements that support long-term care.