Hospital plans under fire for ‘Mediterranean’ look

9:10pm Thursday 7th August 2008

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THE design of a community hospital is more suited to the Mediterranean than Malvern, says the town’s civic society.

The look of the £19 million Malvern Community Hospital at Seaford Court, has come under fire once again from Roger Sutton, chairman of Malvern Civic Society.

Mr Sutton criticised the initial artist’s impressions in May during the public consultation when he attacked the modern design and large double-glazed windows.

Since then the design has been changed from a T-shape to a V-shape so as not to damage views of the Malvern Hills. Car parking spaces have been increased from 82 to 115.

However, Mr Sutton’s letter to Duncan Rudge, development control manager at Malvern Hills District Council, dated Monday, August 4, shows concerns remain. He writes: “The consensus is that the current design is really very ordinary and could be much improved. It has a Mediterranean appearance that does not fit in with the Malvern street scene.

“The building has a number of towers which detract from the overall appearance. If they are for lifts, could the lift mechanisms not be underground?”

Mr Sutton told your Worcester News later that the design looked like a bungalow rather than a hospital.

He also said the Civic Society would prefer it if local builders and architects were involved so more money would enter the local economy. The contract has been awarded by Worcestershire Primary Care Trust to Interserve Project Services, which has its headquarters in Twyford, near Reading.

Mr Sutton said he would prefer a multi-storey car park behind the hospital rather than on valuable green space around the building to reduce the visual impact on the surrounding Conservation Area.

The application was handed in to Malvern Hills District Council at the end of July.

Following approval of the plans, it is hoped that work to build the hospital will begin in March 2009. It is expected to open in September 2010.

No one from Worcestershire PCT was available for comment.