The Objective
The former Victoria Cottage Hospital in central Emsworth had been left vacant for a number of years before it went up for sale; a decision not welcomed by the local community. Thanks to the campaigning of local MPs to secure NHS reversal, it was declared in 2018 that the site would become the location of the town's new GP surgery. This move was of particular importance as the existing smaller surgery would not be able to cope with an expanse in services in order to meet the needs of the growing local population. In 2019, after a competitive tender process, Mountjoy were selected as the preferred contractor to undertake the complete refurbishment of the building which commenced in January 2020.
The Solution
The project involved the demolition of single-storey outbuildings, a new rear single-storey extension to the main building, the installation of a new lift shaft, the reconfiguration of rooms within the surgery, overhauled M&E systems and both internal/external decorations. These essential works have ensured that the building is modern and is able to meet the needs of residents and NHS staff for years to come.
Despite a brief site closure in late March through April due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the project recently completed in July 2021 with doors opening to the public not long after.