| Project: 4 GP Practices / GUM Clinic / Childrens' Services / Community Nursing / Dentist / Podiatry / Adult Mental Health / Minor Operations / Adult Therapy / Phlebotomy / Diagnostics / Pharmacy Size: 6,125 sq m Commenced on-site: January 2008 Financial Close: April 2009 Completed: December 2010 |
Project Director: Andrew Caldwell, Director North West Architectural Design: Architects Design & Management Ltd Construction: John Turner & Sons Ltd Employers Agent and CDM Coordinator: Summers-Inman LLP |
 GPI was appointed in March 2007, following a rigorous national selection process, to partner the South Shore GP Consortia and NHS Blackpool PCT to procure a new medical centre in the South Shore area of Blackpool. The need for top class health facilities was a significant part of the PCT’s vision strategy and Blackpool Council’s “Regeneration Plan” to completely transform the town by 2020. Due to the size of the facility (one of the biggest GP centres in the UK) the project presented a significant challenge in co-ordinating and balancing the number of different users and services the building would accommodate, without compromising individual functionality. A comprehensive design process involving stakeholders working together with GPI’s experienced design team was initiated to ensure the layout of the building was best suited to the requirements of both staff and patients. The new primary healthcare centre is located on the site of the former South Shore Hospital, which was demolished as part of the project. A key element of the brief was to minimise the impact of the design on the adjoining residents and secure public support for the scheme. This was achieved through innovative design combined with extensive consultation with stakeholders, Blackpool Council Planning Department and the public. This included 2 public consultation events.
The new centre will provide accommodation to the four GP Practices including facilities for medical and surgical investigations and treatment, practice nursing staff, administration accommodation plus comprehensive facilities for Blackpool PCT including:
In addition to increased local health service provision, the local community will also benefit from a pharmacy, community café and extensive on site parking facilities. The design and layout of the building allows a flexible and efficient working environment in which staff can provide quality NHS services, in contrast to their existing outdated facilities. The building has also been designed to achieve a high level of environmental sustainability and achieve NEAT Excellent status. Key environmental features incorporated include 15% renewables, natural ventilation, solar thermal photovoltaics and rainwater harvesting. The result is a very energy-efficient building. As part of facilitating the scheme, GPI also assisted two of the GP Practices with exit strategies for their existing premises. The centre is due for completion in December 2010 and has won significant praise from the health practitioners and wider local community of South Shore. |
