New GP Medical Centre Fitted With Changing Places Toilet

🏥 Barwell Medical Centre – Architectural Case Study

The Barwell Medical Centre in Leicestershire represents a benchmark in community healthcare architecture—combining clinical functionality, inclusive design, and environmental responsibility. Completed in 2024 by contractor G F Tomlinson, this £3.6 million development replaces the outdated Jersey Way facility, responding to the growing healthcare demands of a rapidly expanding population.

📐 Design Intent & Spatial Planning

The new two-storey, L-shaped building was conceived to maximise site efficiency while delivering a welcoming, patient-centric experience. Located off High Street, the centre is easily accessible via public transport and includes 52 car parking spaces and six cycle racks—supporting sustainable travel and reducing barriers to access.

Internally, the layout prioritises flow and flexibility:

• 12 consulting rooms are arranged to support both general practice and specialist services
• Dedicated zones for minor surgical procedures, recovery, and health promotion
• Clear wayfinding and natural light enhance orientation and wellbeing
• Wide corridors and doorways ensure full accessibility for wheelchair users and mobility aids

The building’s form and material palette reflect a contemporary civic identity, with durable finishes selected for longevity and ease of maintenance.

🌱 Sustainability & BREEAM Excellence

Constructed to BREEAM Excellent standards, the centre integrates passive design strategies and energy-efficient systems. Key sustainability features include:

High-performance insulation and glazing

Low-energy lighting and HVAC systems

Responsible sourcing of materials

Demolition and reuse of the former brownfield site, previously occupied by a vehicle workshop and warehouse

These measures not only reduce operational carbon but also future-proof the building against evolving environmental standards.

♿ Inclusive Design: Changing Places Facility

A standout feature of the project is the installation of a fully compliant Changing Places Toilet, delivered in partnership with Innova Care Concepts. This internal room is designed to meet the needs of individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities and complex care requirements.

Key features include:

• A height-adjustable changing bench
• A ceiling-mounted hoist system
• A centrally placed peninsular toilet with space for carers on both sides

Non-slip flooring, privacy screen, and emergency alarm system

This facility ensures that the medical centre is not only compliant with BS8300:2018 but also aligned with the ethos of inclusive architecture—enabling all users to access healthcare with dignity and independence.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Community Integration & Social Value

The project team placed strong emphasis on community engagement:

• 70% of labour was sourced locally within 30 miles of the site
• Collaboration with a neighbouring school included health and safety assemblies and a site poster competition
• Support for the local LOROS Hospice through a Christmas tree collection initiative

These efforts demonstrate how architectural projects can extend their impact beyond the built form—fostering civic pride and social cohesion.

🩺 Clinical Functionality & Future-Proofing

Designed to accommodate a projected increase in patient numbers—from 6,400 to over 11,000—the centre is equipped to evolve with changing healthcare needs. The flexible internal layout allows for:

• Expansion of services such as physiotherapy, mental health support, and minor surgery
• Adaptation of rooms for emerging technologies and treatment modalities
• Integration of digital infrastructure for telehealth and remote consultations

Dr. Mark Findlay, GP Partner at Barwell and Hollycroft Medical Centres, noted the transformative impact of the new facility: “After 17 years of planning, we are thrilled to move into our new centre, through which we can now provide our patients and staff with the space and resources they deserve.”

🏗️ Construction & Delivery

G F Tomlinson’s delivery approach balanced technical precision with community sensitivity. The team maintained close communication with local stakeholders, minimised disruption, and upheld high standards of site safety and aesthetics. Their experience in healthcare schemes ensured that clinical requirements were met without compromising architectural integrity.

Group Managing Director Adrian Grocock reflected: “To deliver this contemporary medical facility, which will significantly enhance access to vital healthcare services for the Barwell community, has been an honour.”

🧠 Architectural Takeaways

• Human-centred design is not a luxury—it’s a necessity in healthcare environments
• Inclusive facilities like Changing Places Toilets should be standard, not exceptional
• Sustainability and social value can be embedded from concept to completion
• Flexibility in spatial planning ensures longevity and adaptability in public buildings

Barwell Medical Centre is more than a healthcare hub—it’s a blueprint for how architecture can serve, include, and uplift communities.