Robertson Construction North West has introduced an inflatable roofing tent system at Royal Bolton Hospital, a UK first for a Tier 1 contractor, to accelerate and safeguard roof replacement works during the £38m redevelopment for Bolton NHS Foundation Trust.

The 35m air-inflated structure has been specially engineered for installation at height while the hospital continues to operate. Designed to create a fully weatherproof workspace, each modular tent is kept inflated by a constant-flow air system powered by the hospital’s carbon-free mains electricity. The units can be deployed in seven minutes and deflated in three, enabling rapid sequencing of activities across the roof.

The current phase of works involves replacing 100% of the Maternity Unit’s reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) roof and installing new mechanical and electrical systems, forming part of the trust’s wider programme to address RAAC across the site.

Conventional scaffolding would have presented major logistical hurdles given the roof's intricate layout, the interlinked buildings and the requirement to maintain 24/7 access to critical services, including the hospital’s oxygen store. By combining lightweight scaffolding with the modular tent solution, Robertson has preserved programme continuity, minimised disruption, and protected the safety, privacy and comfort of patients and staff. Crucially, hospital services remain fully operational—where a traditional approach would likely have caused significant interference with essential activities.

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Robertson developed bespoke tent modules through a rigorous temporary works design process. The tents are quick to relocate and install, enhancing flexibility without the delays associated with large-scale scaffold adaptations. Unlike conventional sheeting that is often discarded after a single use, the tents have been designed for long-term service.

Thirteen tents—each with integrated personnel doors to streamline logistics, material movements and safe access—will be used over the 40-week roof replacement programme.

Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, 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."

The Fast Tent product is supplied by Njordair. Its 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.”

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust appointed WeBuild Healthcare as main contractor, with Robertson acting as delivery partner via Lot 2 of ProCure23, part of Crown Commercial Service’s Construction Works and Associated Services framework.