Leicester Diabetes Centre extension named ProCon Awards finalist

The newly completed Leicester Diabetes Centre at Leicester General Hospital has been named a finalist in the Medium Non-Residential Scheme of the Year category at the 2026 ProCon Leicestershire Awards.

Designed by Stephen George + Partners (SGP), the c£5.5 million refurbishment and extension has created a state-of-the-art facility for the internationally acclaimed research centre, a partnership between the University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

New offices, staff facilities and clinical research rooms provide additional space for the Centre’s growing team, supporting its pioneering research into diabetes and other long-term health conditions.

Steve Batson, Studio Director at SGP, explains: “We are immensely proud to see the Leicester Diabetes Centre recognised as a finalist in this year’s ProCon Awards. This was an important project for a centre whose work has a positive impact on people in Leicester, across the UK and internationally. “Our design responds to the significance of the research taking place within the building, creating an uplifting and contemporary facility that supports the Centre’s continued growth while respecting the character and scale of the existing hospital.”

The three-storey extension occupies a constrained location within the original building’s ‘H’-shaped footprint. Its scale, articulation, height and positioning were carefully considered to preserve natural light, make efficient use of the available space and avoid overcrowding the existing structure.

Silver profiled steel cladding gives the addition its own contemporary identity and defines a new chapter in the Diabetes Centre’s development. Full-height windows bring natural daylight into the building and animate the southern elevation, creating a distinctive feature that is visible when approaching through the hospital site.

Hing Ow, Associate at SGP, comments: “This was a complex refurbishment and extension on a constrained plot within a busy, operational hospital site. We worked closely with contractor Stepnell and project managers and quantity surveyors Gleeds to complete the project within an ambitious 52-week programme. Although it was not a client requirement, we used a federated model in Revit to support coordination, improve communication between the project partners and help manage the complexities of the build.”

We are delighted that the Leicester Diabetes Centre has been shortlisted and look to attending the Awards ceremony on 12 November 2026.

Voting is now open to ProCon members. Eligible members can view the finalists and cast their vote until 23 September 2026.

Read more about the design and delivery of the Leicester Diabetes Centre extension.