Princess Alexandra Hospital
HCE Foodservice Equipment
As part of Princess Alexandra Hospital’s mission to enhance quality of care and staff wellbeing, a full refurbishment of the Alexandra Restaurant was commissioned to create a brighter, more modern and functional space for both staff and visitors. HCE was brought in as the catering facilities specialist to collaborate with the architect and client team, tasked with designing and delivering both front and back-of-house solutions.
With just two months from order to handover—and only six weeks on-site—HCE worked closely with the Trust to increase food display capacity, improve queuing flow, integrate a dedicated coffee bar, and expand the seating area, all while maintaining partial restaurant operations throughout the build.
This was a highly coordinated effort, with the HCE team navigating significant infrastructure challenges. With no plumbing available in the café area, services were core-drilled and fire-protected from the basement. Electrical supply also required an inventive solution, rerouted from above via custom power poles integrated into the design. Despite these complexities, the project remained on schedule and ran smoothly once on-site.
HCE developed detailed flatline layouts, 3D visuals, and branded CGI mock-ups to help the client envision the space. All materials, including Staron solid surface worktops and moisture-resistant laminated facias, were selected for both durability and aesthetic appeal.
Training and handover were comprehensive. The HCE team arranged manufacturer-led sessions for all major appliances—ensuring staff were fully prepared not only to operate but also to maintain the equipment. Full operational manuals, commissioning certificates, and as-built drawings were delivered as part of a structured final handover.
The result is a transformed restaurant that reflects the Trust’s investment in its people and places—creating a welcoming, efficient dining environment that improves daily life for over 3,500 hospital staff and countless visitors.
