A rival to Steven Holl Architects' design for the Maggie's Centre at St Barts Hospital in London has received planning permission. The alternative scheme was commissioned by a group called “Friends of the Great Hall and Archive”, who believe the proposal by Steven Holl Architects would threaten the 18th century, Grade I* listed Great Hall. The newly approved scheme, designed by Hopkins Architects, proposes a different site for the new cancer care centre.
After their initial scheme was rejected, Steven Holl Architects' revised design was submitted for planning approval last week, with a decision expected in the summer.
Read on for reaction to the two rival schemes
Despite Hopkins' design getting approval first, both Barts Health NHS Trust and Maggie's have confirmed their support for the design by Steven Holl Architects. A spokesperson for the Barts Health NHS Trust said: "We continue to believe that the interests of cancer patients and their families is best served by the planning application that has been submitted by the Maggie’s charity, which we wholeheartedly support... We look forward to discussing these plans with the Committee at the appropriate time, and working with The Friends on a plan we believe is best for our cancer patients and their families and best for the long term future of the North Wing."
Maggie's Chief Executive Laura Lee emphasized their commitment to preservation of the Great Hall, saying: "we recognise our responsibility to create a building that respects the heritage of the site and are committed to our plans which we believe work alongside those of leading conservation architect Donald Insall Associates to ensure the future of the Great Hall."
Story via Architects' Journal
