Greenock Health & Care Centre

Greenock Health and Care Centre is a new 5800m² primary care facility providing clinical and administration space, bringing together a range of health and care services for NHSGGC and Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership under one roof.

Built on a steeply sloping, brownfield site within the Broomhill community of Greenock, on the north facing banks of the River Clyde, accommodation is arranged around a sheltered, central courtyard garden and internal atrium. The 15 meter level change across the site means the ground floor has a smaller footprint and while the central atrium, housing reception and circulation space, and adjacent courtyard garden climb with the topography, the upper floors expand, thus allowing for a discrete, level, staff access to first floor from the upper car park.

In addition to reception, pharmacy and community café, the ground and first floors contain a series of bookable rooms for a range of both clinical and community, patient-accessed services including a children’s department and community dental services. The second floor houses three large GP practices, whilst the third floor accommodates open plan agile workspace with shared staff facilities, enjoying incredible views over the Clyde, and a south facing roof terrace accessed from the staff kitchen and breakout space.

A key aim was to reduce CO2 emissions in line with NHSGGC’s Carbon Management Plan and achieve target principles of BREEAM Healthcare rating ‘Very Good’. Orientation and massing were tested extensively using 3D and energy modelling to determine the optimal building location and form on the site. In addition, a TM52 analysis was carried out and a range of measures implemented as a result. The building received an EPC rating of B, a Building Standards Bronze Active rating and, based on assessments using as-built data, the building surpassed its carbon emission target by 15%.

The building is designed to be innovative and adaptable; at a macro level the steel frame and location of plant rooms and fire stair cores enables radical alteration of the plan should the building require to be redeveloped; the plan depth is designed to be organised in a range of configurations. Day-to-day adaptability is engendered by provision of standard clinical rooms, ensuring they can be used by a range of services.

Key stakeholders had a representative on the project Delivery Group that shaped design development and the project was delivered through Scotland’s Hub scheme with early involvement from the Principal Contractor. A Community Engagement Strategy was tailored to ensure meaningful engagement with as wide a range of the community as possible.