When Galliford Try's new health centre in the Midlands faced yet another delay, few would have imagined the complication would be bacterial. And yet, in May 2025, construction news headlines confirmed that Legionella had been detected in the newly constructed building's water system. All before it had even opened to the public!

This isn’t an isolated incident. It's a cautionary tale for every commercial developer, landlord, and main contractor.

At The HSRA, we regularly assess new and dormant buildings. Construction delays, unflushed pipework, and warm mechanical environments can create the perfect breeding ground for Legionella bacteria.

Why Delays Increase Legionella Risk

Legionella thrives in stagnant water between 20–45°C. And during extended construction or fit-out delays, the following conditions often exist:

• Stagnant water in newly installed plumbing systems
• Hot water cylinders and calorifiers operating at sub-disinfection temperatures
• Poorly maintained or uncommissioned HVAC and TMV systems
• Lack of regular flushing or biocide treatment routines

These risks are further amplified in health sector or care environments. Outbreak here could have severe implications for vulnerable users. Remaining vigilant with checks and assessments has never been more important.

The Financial & Reputational Cost

The Legionella discovery at Galliford Try's facility has led to a host of problems. These include project delays, remedial costs, and reputational questions around oversight. For developers, these situations can mean:

• Additional months of handover delay
• Drain-downs, sterilisation, and retesting
• Contractual disputes between developers and M&E teams
• Increased scrutiny from NHS Trusts or local authorities

Prevention is not just cheaper than cure. It protects your timelines, credibility, and compliance standing.

The HSRA's Pre-Occupancy Risk Strategy

At HSRA, we work with developers and contractors to ensure buildings are safe before they're signed off.

Our Legionella Pre-Occupancy Package Includes:

• Full water system review
• Microbiological sampling (Legionella, pseudomonas where relevant)
• Temperature checks across sentinel outlets
• Risk report with corrective recommendations
• Certificate of assessment for handover compliance

For Developers, D&B Contractors, and NHS Estates Teams

If your site is behind schedule or being recommissioned after a delay, don’t leave water safety to chance.

Book a Legionella pre-occupancy assessment with HSRA

Protect your people, project, and reputation.