Avanti Architects, a UK-based architectural practice, completed the first phase of restoration works on Finsbury Health Centre, a historic, grade-one-listed building in Clerkenwell, central London.
NHS Property Services (NHSPS), a government-owned company that manages, maintains, and improves NHS properties and facilities, commissioned Avanti Architects and the project was a collaboration with North Central London Integrated Care System (ICS).
Avanti Architects, carefully sourced materials to replicate the building’s aesthetic, preserving the historic look and feel. Phase one of the restoration was also completed following full heritage assessments.
Avanti Architects has completed the first phase of restoration works on Finsbury Health Centre, a historic, grade-one-listed building in Clerkenwell, central London
Recently completed works at Finsbury Health Centre include repairs to the façades (two elevations at the front and two at the rear of the building) replacement windows, curtain walling, and tiling to the clinical wings of the building, and replacement of heavily damaged glass blockwork screens and render/concrete repair at the rear.
Works on the roof were carried out in 2021, during which a waterproof membrane was applied.
Director of Avanti Architects, Fiona Lamb, said: "It is a special privilege to maintain our long connection with Finsbury Health Centre. The work undertaken to date has involved every type of repair and upgrade required at the Centre, and we look forward to overseeing the further phases needed to achieve the complete restoration of this internationally renowned building."
In terms of funding, a total investment of £1.5m will be injected into the restoration scheme, including £1.4m from NHSPS and £100k from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds from Islington Council
The building currently features on the Historic England Heritage ‘At Risk’ Register, however following the delivery of the first two phases of works, NHSPS is liaising with Historic England regarding the downgrading of the risk rating of the building, with the aim to remove it from the At Risk Register entirely, in the longer term.
In terms of funding, a total investment of £1.5m will be injected into the restoration scheme, including £1.4m from NHSPS and £100k from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds from Islington Council.
Senior Capital Manager for London for NHS Property Services, Belinda Cameron, said: "Following on from the roof works in 2021, the initial phase of facade replacement at Finsbury Health Centre is now complete.
"This marks a key milestone in the restoration of the health centre and will ensure that this seminal building is preserved for future generations.
This marks a key milestone in the restoration of the health centre and will ensure that this seminal building is preserved for future generations
"This phase of the programme has addressed the water ingress around the windows at two elevations at both the front and rear of the building.
"We understand that Finsbury Health Centre has a deep connection to the local community, and we have worked closely with the ICS and building occupiers to ensure that there has been minimal impact on patient services throughout the project."
The building, designed by Berthold Lubetkin in 1935, opened to patients in 1938. It received partial restoration works in the 1990s but required further repair due to water damage.
Once complete, these works will result in an improved environment for both patients and NHS colleagues alike.