Bakewell Health Hub

The Brief

This proposed scheme for Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust in Bakewell is to provide the essential health care services to the local community. The current adjacent site of Newholme Hospital is under-used and the buildings are no longer fit-for-purpose. Essential services are to be re-provided in a modern, flexible, multiuse health centre. These include consulting rooms, treatment rooms, physiotherapy, gymnasium and community facilities.

The Design

Working alongside the Peak District National Park Authority Cultural Heritage Team, RCA extensively used the Peak Park Design Guide to shape the overall design. Particular emphasis was given to the traditional gable end form alongside references to historic features such as small parapet upstands to roofs and contemporary interpretations of window and quoin detailing.

We engaged with a specialist consultant to assist with the design and integration of a compliant, dedicated ‘Changing Places’ washroom; a facility for those with profound disabilities. To further enhance inclusivity, a fully accessible treatment room has been positioned at ground floor for patients who require direct access. The building is also fully BIM Level 2 compliant, which will enhance asset management provisions from the Trust and streamline their post-handover use.

The Outcome

Architect Jacob Peplow said “Designing this facility has followed a very iterative process, uniting the sensitivities and heritage of the site with its practical, day-to-day usage. On the one hand, it needs to provide a calming, safe and reassuring space for patients and it equally needs to function as a place of work. Separate staff parking, entrances and delivery access points all help aid this distinction”.

The design concept focused on providing a building of real civic character, something modern, accessible, practical, yet sympathetic to its surroundings.

Construction is due to start on site later this year.