Showcase PSR is proud to have played a key role in the development of the University of Bolton’s £40million Institute of Medical Sciences – a transformative facility set to transform healthcare education in
Greater Manchester.

Designed to close the gap between education and employment, the Institute is expected to create 20,000 jobs and apprenticeships, directly addressing healthcare staffing shortages in the region.

As part of this project, Showcase PSR was responsible for space planning, furniture
procurement, and consultation services, ensuring a balance of functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal.

Scope & Services

In early 2024, Showcase PSR was awarded the furnishing contract for the University of Bolton’s new Institute of Medical Sciences, a project set to transform healthcare education. Our task was clear: to deliver functional, durable, and hygienic furniture that aligned with the Institute’s innovative vision – all while staying within a tight budget and an even tighter timeline.

With the opening scheduled for September, we fast-tracked the design process, completing product specifications in just six weeks – half the usual timeframe. Quality and sustainability remained priorities.

By leveraging our extensive supplier network, we sourced UK-based, eco-friendly alternatives to the initially specified overseas products. This allowed us to meet the May 2024 installation deadline without compromising on quality or cost.

Collaborating closely with external design teams, we also offered expert consultation to ensure that the spaces were not only visually appealing but also ergonomic, accessible, and tailored to meet the needs of both students and staff. Through this approach, we created environments designed for long-term functionality, supporting the Institute’s mission to revolutionise healthcare training.

In keeping with the designer’s vision, we paid close attention to the fabrics, aesthetics, and finishes used throughout the project to create an environment that felt both modern and inviting. To strike a balance between functionality and design, we chose materials that not only supported the practical needs of healthcare spaces but also contributed to a cohesive look.

For upholstery, we selected sustainable fabrics made from recycled marine plastics, ensuring that both durability and environmental responsibility were at the heart of the design. In high-traffic areas like the café and collaboration spaces, we used hard-wearing yet stylish materials that could withstand heavy use while maintaining a clean, contemporary appearance. The healthcare simulation suites required more stringent hygiene standards, so we opted for easy-to-clean, wipeable fabrics that mirrored the practical demands of a real NHS hospital setting.

Visually, we blended organic shapes, natural materials, and a mix of soft and industrial elements to create a fresh, modern aesthetic. This gave the space a homely feel, far removed from the traditional institutional aesthetic, aligning with the Institute’s innovative approach to healthcare education.

Success Points

Showcase PSR successfully navigated a tight timeline and infrastructure challenges to meet every milestone for the Institute of Medical Sciences project. Our space-planning expertise allowed us to adapt quickly, resolving issues like power installation conflicts without disrupting the schedule. We delivered furniture across diverse environments, ensuring each item met NHS standards for hygiene and durability, particularly in the healthcare simulation suites. Classrooms were equipped with flexible, reconfigurable furniture, while staff areas focused on ergonomic comfort and integrated power solutions for ease of use. Our extended warranties of up to 10 years provided added assurance of quality and longevity, reinforcing our commitment to delivering reliable solutions.

Aligned with our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, we sourced from local manufacturers and used sustainable materials like recycled marine plastics, reducing our carbon footprint and boosting the local economy. The project’s focus on durability and sustainability extended to packaging, with recycled materials used throughout, ensuring minimal waste. This not only created a resilient and eco-conscious facility but also strengthened our relationship with the University of Bolton, paving the way for future collaborations in sustainable healthcare education spaces.

Discover more Showcase PSR projects here.