1. Portakabin delivers purpose-built drug and alcohol treatment centre in Hartlepool for Start 

     

    A new £3.7 million purpose-built Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centre has officially opened in Hartlepool, marking a major investment in the town’s health and wellbeing infrastructure. Designed and delivered by Portakabin using modern modular construction, the health facility provides a high‑quality, welcoming environment to support recovery and long-term community resilience. 

    Located on Whitby Street, the centre will serve as the new home for Start, Hartlepool’s drug and alcohol support service. The project was funded by Hartlepool Borough Council and developed using a modular building solution to ensure efficiency, quality and minimal disruption to the surrounding area. 

    The building was formally opened in January by Councillor Gary Allen, Chair of the Adult Services and Public Health Committee at Hartlepool Borough Council. Reflecting on the transformation, Cllr Allen said the new facility represents a significant step forward for local support services. 

    “The previous building was dilapidated, falling apart and really wasn't fit for purpose,” he said. “What we have now is a welcoming and open centre for people to come in and start their recovery journey. People will walk through the doors and immediately feel comfortable. It's a lovely bright environment and they will be able to come here for many years to come.” 

  2.  A purpose‑built modular healthcare facility designed around service users 

     

    Portakabin worked closely with Hartlepool Borough Council, the Start team and architects Oberlanders, to create a purpose-built modular healthcare facility tailored to the needs of patients, families and staff. The new centre includes 18 consultation and clinical rooms, multiple meeting spaces, modern offices and a dedicated waiting area. 

    The layout has been carefully planned to balance privacy, accessibility and ease of movement, ensuring the building feels safe, calm and supportive. Interior design played a key role, with a soft palette of pastel green and cream used throughout, complemented by purple accents, a colour internationally associated with rehabilitation and recovery. 

    Sally Harris, Clinical Lead at Start, said the collaborative approach was essential in shaping a centre that truly supports patient care. 

    “From the moment we started working with Portakabin, they listened to us and took on board what was required from a clinical point of view,” she explained. “Everything from the clinical hatch in the testing toilet to the sound-proofed rooms was designed so patients could be treated in a safe environment in confidence. We can now deliver all aspects of care that are needed. We can see patients daily, in an open environment that’s special, respectful and confidential.” 

  3. Modular construction delivers quality at pace 

     

    By manufacturing the modular healthcare building off-site, Portakabin used modular construction to meet programme requirements efficiently while maintaining high standards of quality and consistency. This approach also reduced disruption in the local area – a key consideration for a community-focused project. 

    Cllr Allen added: “This facility will make a real difference to people in our community who are struggling with drug or alcohol use. By bringing a range of specialist support under one roof, it offers hope, stability and a clear pathway to recovery. It is a safe and welcoming place where people can begin to rebuild their lives.” 

    James Pearson, Divisional Managing Director at Portakabin, said the project demonstrates the impact that thoughtful design and modern modular building techniques can have on community wellbeing. 

    “This project goes far beyond delivering a building,” he said. “It’s about listening to our client and understanding what is needed within a space to genuinely support recovery. Through close collaboration, we’ve created an environment that feels calm, respectful and purposeful, while using modern methods of construction to deliver at pace and with minimal disruption.” 

  4. Start empowers patients on their journey toward long-term recovery 

     

    The new centre will enable Start to continue providing free, confidential treatment and support for people recovering from drug and alcohol misuse across Hartlepool. By combining specialist design, modular construction and a strong focus on community impact, the project highlights how modern healthcare building solutions can help create meaningful, people‑centred spaces that support recovery and long-term wellbeing. 

  5. Portakabin Modular Healthcare Facilities  

     

    Portakabin delivers high‑quality modular healthcare facilities designed to meet the demands of modern healthcare for excellent patient outcomes. Explore how our adaptable, precision‑engineered facilities can enhance your next healthcare project.