Ireland Wood

Ireland Wood Surgery is a contemporary new medical centre in Cookridge, Leeds. The scheme includes a GP practice, pharmacy and optician, providing a new focal point and an improved range of health services available to patients at local level. The design uses steel frame construction to provide a spacious, double height waiting area and reception, linking into a fully flexible clinical area. All public space is provided at ground floor level, where a bright colour scheme ensures clear navigation around the double corridor arrangement.

The future adaptability of the building was a driving force in the design, and the bright, modern building succeeds in providing spacious and flexible facilities with opportunity for future expansion. Developed by Abstract for their investment partners Assura, the new 1750 sq m building has under floor heating at entrance level allowing for internal flexibility and the potential to change the layout to suit the needs of the practice. The first floor includes expansion space to accommodate new services as the needs of the local community change. The adjacent single-storey pharmacy is constructed with a concrete roof to allow for vertical expansion, while the circulation has been designed to allow for an extension to the rear of the building.

Close collaboration between P+HS, Abstract, the contractor and Leeds city planners has resulted in a contemporary, light design that is flexible enough to serve the staff and patients for years to come.

This sustainable development has been awarded the first BREEAM Excellent for primary care in Leeds it was also short-listed for the RIBA 2011 Northern Network Awards.