The Waldron Health Centre in Lewisham by Buschow Henley

London-based Buschow Henley Architects have designed the new building for The Waldron Health Centre in Lewisham. The first phase of the £13.5 Million Waldron Health Centre redevelopment was completed in August 2007, the whole building is planned to open in summer 2008.

The £13.5m redevelopment of the Waldron Health Centre provides one of the largest health facilities of its kind and becomes a ‘one stop shop’ for a range of primary and community services. Since the completion of phase 1, it became a focal point for the local community and a landmark building for the area There are two phases in the redevelopment of the Waldron Health Centre. Services that had remained in the old health centre during the building work will be moving into the new phase 1 building. The old health centre will then be demolished and phase 2 of the redevelopment will start. Completion of the whole building is scheduled for summer 2008. 

The centre embraces its role as a civic building in New Cross by transforming its context to become a focus for both healthcare and community activities. Overlooking a new square, the design underpins the contribution the Centre makes to the well being of patients, staff, visitors and the community. Naturally-lit and easily navigated common areas reach out to the clinical suites and administration areas.

A three tier circulation system avoids public circulation through departments to maintain privacy and security. Views out are strategically placed to maximize daylight, and also to lift the spirits as the public and staff move through the Centre. The central hall incorporates a piece by artist Martin Richman. The north and south wings of the building overlook courtyard gardens. The exterior of the Centre is intended to send a positive and welcoming image of care and activity – like its sister building the St. John's Therapy Centre it is clad in lacquered timber giving it the quality of an oversize piece of 18th Century furniture.

The Waldron Centre will be one of the largest facilities of its kind and represents a pioneering move in the 'joined up' and patient focused delivery of primary healthcare. It will provide a One Stop Shop for a broad range of services. The building is inspired by the community it will serve and the people who will work in it. The design challenge is for this building to balance large scale with intimacy.