HRH Princess Alexandra opens new health and social care centre

27 October 2009

Nightingale Associates’ new Teddington Health and Social Care Centre receives royal seal of approval.

The new £3m Health and Social Care Centre in Teddington has been officially opened by HRH Princess Alexandra.

Completed in August this year, the 1326msq L-shape centre is a modular building under P21 and replaces the existing clinic facilities. The metal clad building accommodates four consult and examine rooms, community nurses, occupational therapists, mental health services and a specialist dental clinic. It also brings several out-reach teams together under one roof with office accommodation and hot-desking facilities.

"“It was a challenging project due to the strict budget and planning process and dealing with local residents’ concerns. But we’ve managed to produce an affordable, functional centre to serve the community and expand health services in the area.”

Rowland Phillips, Architect, Nightingale Associates

Being a resident of the London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames herself (where the centre is located), Princess Alexandra acknowledged the new building’s contribution to the locality.

Main Entrance to the new centre

Emphasis was placed upon user consultation throughout the project with presentations, interior design workshops and two public consultation meetings.

As well as landscaping, way-finding and signage work, the team worked with Nightingale Associates Architect and Director of Design Research and Innovation, Richard Mazuch, to explore how to best use art in the building, providing a fully integrated design service to the client. Repeat work has been secured from the Trust.

HRH Princess Alexandra with Nightingale Associates Architect Rowland Phillips

"“Meeting Princess Alexandra at the centre’s opening ceremony was one of the highlights of my career and a reward that should inspire all of us in this profession.”

Rowland Phillips, Architect, Nightingale Associates

Others who contributed to the project include London Office Principal Neil Murphy; Architectural Assistant, Maria Hajitheodosi; Architect, Silvio Rodrigues; Interior Designer and Architectural Assistant, Junko Iwaya and Architectural Assistant, Tom Pond.