01905 362120
01905 362120
The new St Johns House Medical Centre has moved closer to fruition as contractors have started on site at University Park, Worcester, after GPs from St Johns House Surgery and specialist healthcare developer, Prime successfully completed all the legal documentation.
The St John’s House Surgery, which will be renamed St Johns House Medical Centre when the new building opens, is a two-storey facility designed by Worcester-based One Creative Environments Ltd, in conjunction with the GPs. It will form part of the business, science, health and enterprise park being developed by University of Worcester.
Patients, the general public, local community groups, staff, residents, local businesses, NHS Worcestershire, local councillors and the University have all been involved in helping to shape plans for the new medical centre, which were unanimously approved by Worcester City Council last year. The new building is expected to be completed Winter 2013.
Bob Smaylen, development director at Prime, comments: “We are pleased to have reached the next milestone in the development of St Johns House Medical Centre, which will bring improved healthcare facilities to the residents of Worcester. It’s been enjoyable to work alongside the St John’s House GPs to realise their vision for a purpose-built centre that is suited to their needs as a growing practice. We’re now looking forward to seeing these plans realised over the next 12 months.”
Dr Mark Young, the GP leading the project, added: “We are delighted construction has begun and that our patients can look forward to much improved facilities next year. The location on the new University Park will also help us to strengthen our existing commitment to teaching and training in healthcare.”
Located off Bromyard Road, the new surgery will help form the gateway to the wider university campus, with feature landscaping at both the pedestrian and car park entrances to the building to create a welcoming environment. Complementing the design of the Innovation and Technology Centre on the opposite corner, the building will have a split floor plan, featuring two wings branching off from a central reception area.
Designed with affordability in mind, the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rated building is one of the lowest carbon buildings designed by One Creative Environments Ltd. Its east to west orientation means a reduced need for heating and ventilation services, with the winter sun used to pre-heat the building in the colder months, whilst reducing solar heat gain in the summer. A natural ventilation strategy has also been employed throughout the building, with the two-storey reception area featuring a wind catcher to enhance natural ventilation in this part of the centre. Of the 33 occupied rooms planned in the building, only five will require any sort of mechanical ventilation, vastly increasing the building’s energy efficiency rating.
James Lawrence, from One Creative Environments Ltd, comments: “The design for St Johns House Medical Centre combines state-of-the-art facilities with a carefully considered build that keeps affordability and energy efficiency front of mind. We are really proud of the new design and it’s great that one of the lowest carbon buildings we’ve created will have a positive impact on services right here in Worcester.”
Featuring a sculptural textured split brick panel and render facade, the gable ends of the building have been clad with an eye-catching recycled mineral rock panel. This contrasts with the brick which helps the building to reflect the heritage of the city, while offering a new landmark as part of the wider University Park development.
Dr Martin Doughty, University of Worcester Pro Vice Chancellor (Capital Developments), said: “We welcome the relocation of this surgery to University Park. It is exactly the kind of development the University had in mind when first creating a vision for this site. We look forward to being able to announce further partners at University Park in the future.”