After years of talks, and despite cutbacks in capital funding, it has been announced this week that planning permission has finally been granted for the redevelopment of Broadmoor Hospital in Berkshire.
West London Mental Health NHS Trust, advised by Oxford Architects and independent design, environment and energy consultants, LDA Design, has received planning permission from Bracknell Forest Council subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement.
Originally built in 1863, Broadmoor Hospital provides specialist mental health care services within a high-secure environment for male patients from London and the South of England. One of three high-secure hospitals in England, it is internationally recognised for its specialist work with patients with some of the most-challenging mental health needs as well as its research activities.
The redevelopment and planning application led by Oxford Architects includes 16 wards - 10 new, and six existing - providing accommodation for 210 patients within a new secure environment. The redevelopment will also include a new entrance building, central facilities building, a replacement energy centre, new gardens, recreation areas and extensive landscaping.
LDA Design led the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and landscape design work for the redevelopment. This required the co-ordination of several technical specialists to minimise the impact of the work on the existing environment and the creation of a new landscape to integrate new buildings into the historic parkland and support the delivery of mental healthcare.
Peter Norman, partner at Oxford Architects, said: “Our design for the construction of the new hospital will greatly enhance facilities, resulting in modern wards that will be easier to both maintain and manage. The specific design for these buildings will enable the trust to continue its nationally significant work in patient care, while managing its resources much more efficiently and effectively.”
Mike Foster, project director at LDA Design, said: “LDA Design worked closely throughout with Oxford Architects and the redevelopment design team ensuring the final proposals balanced the design, technical and security requirements of the new hospital with the need to minimise environmental impacts. Our design work will create a strong landscape framework for the redevelopment and the new gardens and landscapes will provide enhanced facilities for patients, visitors and staff.”
Construction of the new building is expected to start in the autumn of 2013 and the new hospital is expected to open to patients in late 2016.