Overview
Bishopton is a village which lies within Renfrewshire, two miles west of the Erskine Bridge and approximately 11 miles west of Glasgow. It was for many years the location of The Royal Ordnance Factory Bishopton (ROF), opened during World War II and covering over 2,000 acres (8 km2) – land which was composed of up to seven pre-existing farms that were acquired through compulsory purchase in order to build the factory. At one point it was the biggest munitions factory operated by the MOD, with up to 20,000 workers.
Following the closure of the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF), BAE Systems PLC developed a masterplan for Dargavel Village, which is seeing over 4000 new homes being constructed. By the residential development’s completion date the patient number of the area is estimated to at least double.
In order to facilitate the increase in population numbers, designs for a ‘satellite facility’ which will work in tandem with the existing Bishopton Medical Practice were developed. The proposed facility sits in the Dargavel Village Centre, which lies between the old settlement and the future Dargavel expansion. It will serve both the residents of ‘Old Bishopton’ and ‘New Dargavel’ and will complement and support the functions of the existing medical practice at a key gateway within the broader area under development.
This new facility provides five consulting rooms, one treatment room, four multiuse rooms and one community room, with an aim to maximise the clinicians’ ability to deliver services in as broad a manner as possible. It will provide additional space and flexibility for the current GP Practice, as well as enabling more options for health and social care services within the area. The new facility has also been designed to accommodate projections of future population growth for the area, with the ability to expand the building to meet future requirements being allowed for within the site and the design.
Sustainability has been at the forefront of the design and construction process. The building targets hybrid-passive standards, utilising triple glazing and increased insulation on the building envelope to reduce energy demands. The building is naturally ventilated, solar gain is optimised and controlled through the use of openable windows and shading louvres in every room, again reducing lighting and heating energy demands. The facility has roof mounted photovoltaic panels, which generate solar energy, and is heated via air source heat pumps, omitting the building’s reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Working with our partners at Fleming Building, the project has delivered a corresponding programme of community benefits raging from apprenticeships, local employment, engagement with local schools, volunteer time, support with university level talks and job fairs, and financial contributions to a number of local community endeavours.
The project has also been able to successfully engage with the community through the integration of a number of artwork briefs throughout the design and construction phases. Appointed artists, Paisley-based Sculpture Houe Collective, have developed artwork set to be installed on the building’s façade. Their proposals were developed through influences and ideas gained at creative sessions within local schools and with local community groups. Further artist appointments are expected which would contribute to the building’s interior finish.