Construction group turns The Spine blue to mark NHS birthday
Morgan Sindall Construction has lit up The Spine – the Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP) new £35m Northern headquarters in Paddington Village – to honour the 72nd birthday of the National Health Service.
Named after the prominent staircase that runs up the North elevation of the building, The Spine’s lower and upper floors will be occupied by the RCP within Liverpool City Council’s burgeoning development site.
The RCP represents more than 37,000 doctors throughout the world, and The Spine will form the organisation’s new Northern centre of excellence.
Morgan Sindall Construction lit up its flagship Liverpool project over the weekend to both celebrate the birthday of the NHS, and as a gesture of thanks to the exceptional work of NHS staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Richard Potts, area director for Liverpool, Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “Over the course of recent months the NHS has demonstrated why it is such a crucial part of our country. Lighting up The Spine is a small way for us to show our appreciation to all NHS staff while wishing the service a happy 72nd birthday.
“As well as being an iconic new building for Liverpool, The Spine will play a key role in supporting the development of the next generation of doctors and other medical professionals who will support the NHS in the years ahead.
“The work of such staff during the recent pandemic has been truly inspirational, and we’re really happy to offer this colourful thank you and celebration to the whole NHS.”
Prof Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said: “While the NHS’s birthday is usually a time for celebration, this year has undoubtedly been the hardest our health service has faced, and we must take the time to remember and pay tribute to those who tragically lost their lives during the pandemic. Many of us have lost colleagues and friends who we miss greatly.”
Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: “I’m delighted to see that The Spine is to be lit blue for the NHS’ 72nd birthday.
“We all owe the NHS a huge debt of gratitude, not just for the past seven decades, but for everything its marvellous staff have done for the country these past few months.
“The Spine is a stunning addition to Liverpool’s landscape and is fast becoming a symbol for the city – and its future as a world-leading health research centre – and as the new Northern home for The RCP, it’s only fitting it pays this tribute to the NHS.”
Colin Sinclair, chief executive of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, said: “The Spine perfectly demonstrates Liverpool’s determination to put life sciences at the front of future innovation.
“It will be one of the world’s healthiest buildings and we are proud to be lighting it up to show our appreciation for our frontline NHS workers who have inspired us all with their tremendous dedication and hard work during the recent pandemic.”
