Remodelling of local landmark building more modern healthcare.
This building was empty for some years before Camden Primary Care Trust made the decision to include it in a rationalisation programme of Primary Care facilities in and around University College London. After a series of feasibility studies, the services to be accommodated were The Margaret Pyke Centre, Female GUM, Podiatry and The Gower Street Practice, the latter being a GP Practice serving students attending UCL.
Having completed the detailed design to fit out the existing building Sprunt developed an alternative option to demolish most of the structure and rebuild to the same height but with wider floors. The result increased the building area by 45%.
The internal planning aimed to accommodate more diverse Primary Care services in a way that saves area for each by sharing common areas and reception/waiting facilities. Modular planning grids have been used to enable easier future change.
The building when complete is expected to be another landmark building in this part of London, situated on the edge of the North Bloomsbury Conservation Area.
Although a relatively deep building, the design introduces natural light and ventilation deep into its heart.
The final option also incorporated additional new facilities including Urgent Care, Screening and Diagnostics, Child Health, 4 GP Practices and Centre for Drug Misuse.