One of the 40 hospitals included in the government’s health infrastructure plan, Hillingdon Hospital is a major component within its borough and is seen as regeneration project with the potential to achieve better health, employment and living outcomes for the local population. Arcadis IBI Group have led the proposals for the redevelopment, with Prior + Partners supporting as masterplanner and leading the outline application for the residential component.
The site, which today comprises buildings no longer fit for purpose and is dominated by surface carparking, is envisioned to provide a modern 80,000 sqm hospital, integrate with existing transport hubs, create new high-quality housing, provide space for commercial and incubator initiatives allied to healthcare innovation and wellness promotion, and set aside land for public use.
The masterplan provides a framework that allows for flexibility for the future development, and is based on principles rather than any specific design. These principles together comprise the ‘Anatomy of a Healthy Community’, including:
Living: Rather than ‘density’ we must think about the ‘intensity’ of urban experience and choice within and around the home. This will relate to the quality of walkable neighbourhoods created and the proximity to resources and public transport.
Employment & Learning: Lifelong learning will be supported through hybrid, mixed use building typologies. These will provide access to learning for all ages; opportunities to develop skills and qualifications relevant for local employers.
Circular Economy: Demonstrating a rigorous response to climate change and the whole development life cycle. Embedding a holistic approach to the choice of materials and resources, maximizing value in use through efficient processes, while fostering a less consumptive, regenerative economy.
Following the council’s decision to grant resolution for approval, the planning application will be referred to the Mayor of London for final sign-off, with the Trust awaiting final confirmation of funding for the plans from central government.
Collaborators working with Prior + Partners and IBI include AECOM (civil, structural and mechanical/electrical/plumbing engineering), Savills (town planning and townscape consulting), Ridge and Partners (construction consulting and BREEAM assessment), Mott MacDonald (transport consulting) and Tenos (fire safety engineering).
