| Project: 2 GP Practices / Pharmacy / dental & therapy services within Trust accommodation Size: 1,800 sq m Commenced on-site: September 2007 Completed: October 2008 |
GPI Project Director: Roger Serginson, Director South West Architectural Design: Willdig Lammie Partnership Ltd Construction: Jehu Project Services Ltd Employer's Agent and Planning Supervisor: JMP (UK) Ltd |
| Two Practices and the Trust were operating from a pre-1970s, single storey medical centre with serious DDA issues, limited parking and no room for expansion. However change was set in motion by Rhondda Cynon Taff Local Health Board’s vision of a larger, purpose built primary care centre capable of providing services in line with Welsh Assembly Government’s ‘Designed for Life’ strategy and the LHB’s Estates Strategy. GPI’s understanding and experience of the Welsh premises procurement process and excellent track record convinced the Welsh Health Estates, the Local Health Board and the District Valuer that GPI was the ideal partner to realise their goals.  Following selection as development partner, the GPI team consulted with the project stakeholders, carried out exhaustive site investigations and with the full support of the stakeholder body agreed upon a suitable site. The design, carefully developed under full consultation with stakeholders, was reviewed and approved by the Design Commission for Wales. The plans incorporated space for existing users and additional services including community dentistry, therapy, counselling and pharmacy as well as ample parking. There is also flexibility to accommodate potential future changing needs. The contemporary building, using sustainable and local materials, complements the surrounding buildings, topography and locality. It also takes advantage of the superb views towards the Ogmore Vale. The Welsh Health Estates (representing the Welsh Assembly Government) required the project’s design to achieve the NEAT Excellent standard and consequently have a low environmental impact. With the GPI team’s knowledge and experience of this process from previous projects, Cwm Gwyrdd is the first completed Health Centre in Wales to achieve NEAT excellence. Key design features which facilitated this included a green roof, solar heating for water, natural ventilation, extensive natural daylighting and a super-insulated and airtight envelope. This landmark scheme, completed on time and within budget, was achieved through extensive analysis of the original Client brief, stakeholder consultation and focus upon design excellence, sustainability and informed project management. The new Cwm Gwyrdd Medical Centre, as well as enhancing clinical services, provides the local community with an inspirational building and facilities to be proud of. GPI continues the ongoing relationship with the Medical Centre through its Facilities Management team minimising ongoing maintenance costs and ensuring that the building is able to offer the best environment for treatment now and in the future. |
