The 500-bed facility, which will be built within 14 days, will be used to treat coronavirus patients in level three critical care beds.

BAM is also close to being engaged on two further emergency Nightingale hospitals, already drawing on learning in preparation for Harrogate.

The firm was appointed through the ProCure22 framework and will act as main design and build contractor with the assistance of BAM Design, appointed to deliver structural engineering, and BAM’s specialist services engineering business.

The lead architect is BDP, which has worked on the emergency facility at the Excel Centre in East London, while Silcock Leedham will provide services engineering, and Arcadis project management.

Paul Cleminson, Pre-Construction Director for BAM Construction in the North East, said: “We have mobilised immediately with a team which is working 24 hours in shifts around the clock, following Government guidance about safe working.

“We’re very proud to be involved. Over our distinguished history of service to the UK, BAM has probably built more healthcare schemes than anybody: in excess of 400. We even built emergency hospitals during both World Wars. So we feel a sense of poignancy to be doing this now.

BAM and its team are converting eight halls to create suitable partitions, flooring, and the specialist mechanical and electrical zones and installations that are so essential.

The team is working 24/7 in shift patterns and working closely with medical staff and the Army. Following the completion of works, BAM’s facilities management business will help to maintain the facility to provide support and continuity.

BAM expects to have the hospital available for use by next weekend.

Elsewhere BAM teams are on site at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust providing the NHS with critical construction works for new and upgraded facilities.

At Worcester BAM is delivering a major ward refurbishment project, the last phase of 23 beds is due to complete in May. In addition we are also providing a new oxygen cylinder compound with completion to coincide with the opening of the final ward at the end of May.

At Southampton BAM is providing a new 22-bed general intensive care unit which is due to complete in September.