News:
Ambitious plans submitted for redevelopment of historic hospital site
Leading architects, Holmes Partnership, are designing 200 new homes on the site of Hawkhead Hospital in Renfrewshire. The original hospital was designed in 1934 by Thomas Tait, one of the most important and prolific Scottish architects of the first half of the 20th century.
Originally known as the Paisley Infectious Diseases Hospital, Hawkhead Hospital will be transformed into a unique and highly desirable residential estate. Holmes prepared the masterplan for the redevelopment of the site for client, Kier Homes, who are acting in partnership with the Burrell Company. Refurbishment of the existing buildings will also take place with Holmes responsible for providing new build houses and apartments which will compliment the original 1930s designs.
The hospital was created in the new modernist style which was becoming popular in the 1930s. The smooth clean appearance of the architecture suited the new medical practice of open light and airy buildings separating different diseases into isolated pavilion ward blocks.
The design of the new development incorporates a strong sustainability agenda with the objective of creating a vibrant, mixed community incorporating a high percentage of flats, terraced houses and generous landscaped public spaces. Understanding the significance of the historic site as well as its relationship to Paisley and Glasgow have been central considerations.
The new build elements of the project, designed by Holmes, are high-quality and sophisticated - flat roofed terraced structures arranged primarily in streets around courtyards and squares. Reference to and respect for the architectural significance of the site is shown through sensitive use of materials and palette, including white render and coloured ceramic clay bricks. Overall, Holmes' distinctive designs compliment and enhance the 1930s architecture whilst creating exciting and innovative streetscapes in their own right.
Extensive consultation with Renfrewshire Council Planning and Historic Scotland took place before planning permission was submitted. A decision on the application is expected in February 2007.
For further information and images contact John Pelan