New hybrid heating system installed at Grantham Health Centre

Sector: Healthcare

Building: Grantham Health Centre

Products: 2 x Stratton mk3 boilers in cascade, Tyneham 290HT air source heat pump & 500l buffer tank

Application: Hybrid heating

Grantham Health Centre in Lincolnshire has undertaken a major heating upgrade, replacing its outdated system with a high performance hybrid solution from Hamworthy Heating. Designed in collaboration with Greenway Building Services Consultants and installed by Arthur Pollard Ltd, the new system combines wall-hung condensing gas boilers with a natural refrigerant air source heat pump (ASHP) to deliver reliable year-round heating, enhanced control, and long-term sustainability.

The hybrid solution

The health centre’s previous heating system relied on three ageing floor-standing gas boilers that had reached the end of their service life. The goal was to implement a more energy efficient and sustainable solution, with minimal disruption to day-to-day clinical operations.

As a consultancy-led project, Greenway Building Services undertook detailed investigations into the building’s existing single pipe heating layout and legacy emitters. This established the requirement for consistent high flow temperatures (minimum 65°C), helping shape the system specification.

To meet the centre’s needs, Arthur Pollard Ltd, Greenway Building Services, and Hamworthy Heating worked closely to design and deliver a tailored hybrid system. This included two Stratton mk3 60kW wall hung condensing gas boilers, each delivering 58kW, and a single 50kW Tyneham 290HT air source heat pump. A 500L buffer vessel with immersion heater, controlled via a Building Management System (BMS), was also incorporated. As part of their design responsibilities, Greenways carried out a two week load monitoring process and liaised with the National Grid to confirm the site’s electrical supply could accommodate a 50kW commercial air source heat pump. This critical early-stage work ensured the hybrid approach would function reliably alongside the retained electrical infrastructure.

The decision to install a hybrid system was driven by the need to meet decarbonisation targets while keeping capital expenditure manageable. Greenway Building Services played a key role in this early-stage planning, advising on equipment selection to ensure compatibility with the existing heating network. Their input helped define operational parameters for the commerical air source heat pump and gas boilers, ensuring the system could deliver reliable temperatures while optimising seasonal efficiency.

The new heating system design now ensures year-round efficiency by using the Tyneham 290HT during milder weather and switching to the Stratton mk3 boilers in colder conditions. This configuration not only boosts energy performance but also lowers winter operating costs. The hybrid configuration also suited the building’s physical constraints, making it a practical choice for the available space.

To maximise performance and efficiency, the system is managed by a building management system (BMS), which automatically adjusts the heat source based on outdoor temperature and flow requirements. When the outside temperature is above 10°C and the required flow temperature is at or below 65°C, the heat pump operates independently. As temperatures fall between 7°C and 10°C, the gas boilers become the primary heat source, with the heat pump assisting by increasing the return temperature to reduce the boilers’ workload. Below 7°C, the BMS shuts off the heat pump via a diverting valve, and the boilers take on the full heating demand.

Installation and operational continuity

Installation was completed over seven weeks while the health centre remained fully operational. A temporary hire boiler ensured uninterrupted heating supply throughout. The only disruption, a brief gas main shutdown, was scheduled outside of working hours, over a weekend, to avoid any impact on clinical services.

Importantly, the hybrid system’s ability to deliver flow temperatures of 65°C through the gas boilers meant that existing radiators and pipework could be retained, eliminating the need for invasive internal changes. This was a significant benefit in a busy healthcare environment.

New heating system

Oliver Foster Pollard of Arthur Pollard Ltd commented:

The project progressed exceptionally smoothly, with the client expressing satisfaction with the new system and appreciation for the early design collaboration between Hamworthy Heating, Arthur Pollard, and Greenways Building Services. This helped streamline decision-making and minimise risk throughout.

The support we received from Hamworthy was excellent. We’ve worked with them for as long as I can remember and would recommend them without hesitation. Early collaboration made a big difference and ensured the solution was well considered from the outset.

Future flexibility

The upgraded hybrid solution provides Grantham Health Centre with a flexible, efficient, and future-proof heating system tailored to the specific demands of a healthcare setting.

Paul Jones, Regional Capital Project Lead – Midlands at NHSPS, said:

The recent heating upgrade at Grantham Health Centre exemplifies our commitment to sustainability and future-proofing our facilities. This project is a testament to our dedication to creating sustainable healthcare environments that are equipped to meet the evolving needs of our communities.

Designed with future adaptability in mind, the system also includes spare hydraulic connections, allowing for straightforward expansion or modification if the building’s heating needs evolve.

A trusted partnership

Arthur Pollard Ltd, an established mechanical building services contractor, has built a longstanding and successful partnership with Hamworthy Heating, consistently delivering reliable, energy efficient heating solutions. Founded in 1955, Arthur Pollard Ltd brings decades of experience to projects across the private sector, public services, and the manufacturing and process industries.

Greenways Building Services is a building services consultancy, established for over 50 years in the heart of Royal Leamington Spa. The company specialises in mechanical and electrical engineering design. Its role as MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) engineers is to ensure all systems work cohesively so a building is habitable for the end user, whether this is a family, general workers, school staff and everything in between.

For more information about hybrid heating systems and configuration, contact your Area Sales Manager.