Maggie’s Centre at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in London wins Planning Approval

The City of London Planning and Transportation Committee has passed a resolution to grant planning and listed building consent for a new Maggie’s Centre at St Bartholomew’s hospital.

Maggie’s developed the proposal for a cancer center at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, at the invitation of the Barts Health NHS Trust, to enhance the quality of care for cancer patients across North East London. The Centre, designed by Steven Holl Architects, continues the charity’s tradition of visionary and inspirational design that supports world-class cancer care.

Laura Lee, Maggie’s Chief Executive, comments: “We very much welcome the Committee’s decision and are truly thankful for all the support our scheme has received. We look forward to working closely with Barts Health NHS Trust to bring the highest quality cancer support to people across North East London and working in partnership with the hospital to support the long-term restoration and preservation of the historic North Wing.”

The Committee also passed a resolution to grant planning for an application submitted by the Barts Health NHS Trust. The plans, designed by heritage and conservation architects Donald Insall Associates will bring improved welfare access and facilities to secure the future of the Great Hall which the Maggie’s Centre will sit alongside.

Peter Morris, Chief Executive at Barts Health NHS Trust adds: “The building of a Maggie’s Centre at St Bartholomew’s Hospital marks an important step in our strategy to strengthen the position of Barts in the City as a world class cancer centre combining excellence in clinical care, research and patient experience. We welcome the resolution to grant planning for the Maggie’s Centre along with the approval of our own application. This will be an important first phase in our vision to restore the historic North Wing and establish a heritage quarter.”

A three story “urban townhouse,” the new Centre has been designed to be full of open space and light. The exterior works in harmony with the interior, allowing natural light to wash over the floors and walls, ever changing through the natural daylight pattern of the seasons. A roof garden will grow flowering trees.

A new garden has been designed by Christopher Bradley-Hole who has worked in many historic settings. The garden will be open to patients, staff and the public and will be maintained by Maggie’s.

Barts sees some 5,500 new cancer diagnoses a year. Nineteen hospitals across the London cancer North and East Network refer cancer patients to Barts and the hospital serves seven surrounding Boroughs which make up some of the most deprived and ethnically diverse communities in London. There is a vital need to provide cancer support to Barts and Maggie’s anticipate over 20,000 visitors in its first year.