
Whitton Health & Social Care Centre
The Whitton Health and Social Care Centre has been developed in response to Richmond and Twickenham PCT’s urgent requirements for additional services, and will improve access to, and the quality of, community healthcare.
The centre brings together 2 GP practices, mental health and community based health and social care, along with services such as dentistry, podiatry and baby clinics. The entire top floor is dedicated to a hub for outreach social care services.
This newly located centre, brings healthcare to the heart of the existing residential area, and was developed in conjunction with Richmond Council to take into account the wider provision and location of community facilities. An existing library was relocated and the new health centre now sits within an area of integrated facilities including a school, a church, and a community centre.
The Centre presents itself as a modern civic building and an important public facility. The street entrance is highlighted by the cutting back of the ground floor in the north west corner, allowing the reception to monitor both the front and rear car park entrances.
The double height glazing to the entrance foyer further accentuates the corner, and signals the entrance to the local community. Inside, the building is zoned to aid wayfinding, with public areas located close to the entrances.
Sustainability is a key driver of the design. A shallow plan was developed to allow good levels of natural light and windows for all patient and staff areas. Other measures include solar panels, an air source heat pump, green roof and bat and bird boxes to encourage local wildlife to thrive.
The design has achieved a BREEAM healthcare rating of Excellent.