Work on the new Magpas Air Ambulance airbase, training centre and headquarters at Alconbury Weald is progressing well, with the steel structure now erected.

The project has been in the pipeline for several years after the site of its current operations base at RAF Wyton was sold for development. However, the need to relocate proved beneficial, as the charity’s team of over 50 doctors and critical care paramedics, operating a 24/7 service by air and road, has been outgrowing the building for many years.

Now, Magpas Air Ambulance has the opportunity to not only build a bespoke new airbase fit for 24/7 operations, but also relocate to a site situated closer to the region’s major trunk roads, which will reduce vehicle dispatch times by up to 15 minutes.

Lindum Group is in the process of delivering the building, which will also boast features including a dedicated training centre to train the next generation of the region’s pre-hospital emergency doctors and paramedics, the capability to be equipped for 24/7 operations with well-being and rest facilities for crew and clinicians and new community and patient facilities on site. By co-locating the charity’s operations and support staff too, the new base will be more efficient, reducing charity overheads and improving environmental impact.

The completion of the steel frame is a major milestone in the construction process, which will also include development of a new hangar area and helipad. The development of construction is being captured by a time lapse camera, which can be seen here, and drone footage. The Magpas Air Ambulance team even managed to take a photo recently as they recently flew over the site.

After visiting the site and being the first person from the charity to walk on the first floor of the building, Magpas Air Ambulance Director of Operations Natalie Church explained, “It’s so exciting to finally see these plans come into fruition. It’s no longer a derelict site and an idea.

“Instead, we can now see the outlines of the building which will be such a huge part of this charity’s future and help us continue to save lives for many more years to come.”

A new community and patient hub will also be built as part of the works, which is on course to be completed by next summer.