A new state-of-the-art teaching centre for health and medical students has opened its doors at the University of Worcester.
The Elizabeth Garrett Anderson building
Named after Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, the first woman to qualify as a physician and surgeon in the UK, the building provides outstanding facilities for the University’s health students as well as becoming the home of the University’s new Three Counties Medical School, which will welcome its first cohort of students this September.
Formerly home to the Worcester News and Berrows Journal, the iconic building, nestled on the banks of the River Severn, has undergone a complete transformation over the past 12 months, from drab concrete to a beautiful golden colour which restores its elegant lines.
Inside, the space has been transformed with a new atrium, simulated GP consultation rooms, light and spacious social learning spaces and a café with indoor and outdoor seating. The space which once housed the giant printing press is now home to a stunning new anatomy suite with high-tech equipment for students to learn about the human body and perform procedures in a controlled environment. The new facilities complement the existing clinical simulation suite at St John’s Campus.
Professor David Green CBE DL, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive at the University, said: “We are delighted that this new facility is complete and ready for use by our health students, including our new medical students starting in September. I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the partners who have supported us, including the Clive Richards Foundation, the Kildare Trust, our local NHS partners, Worcester Town’s Fund and the office for Students.”
Professor Sally Moyle, Pro Vice Chancellor Health and Science, said up to 1,500 health students would be using the new building each week.
“These students, studying nursing, medicine, midwifery, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, paramedicine and more will be the backbone of tomorrow’s NHS,” she said. “The University has been investing in high quality health courses for over 20 years because we know just how badly the country needs these graduates.”
Professor Sandra Nicholson, Founding Dean of the Three Counties Medical School, added: “We are looking forward to welcoming our first cohort of medical students in September who will have the opportunity to learn in this outstanding new facility. Many thanks go to our NHS partners and many others who have supported us in our journey to establish a medical school in Worcester, which will make a huge contribution to the people of this region.”
A formal opening ceremony will take place later in the year.
In keeping with the University’s commitment to sustainability, the refurbishment has been completed to outstanding environmental specifications, achieving a Gold SKA environmental rating from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The gold-coloured inert copper alloy cladding the exterior is an efficient, long lasting-material providing a weather tight covering to a thick layer of insulation making the building inexpensive to heat or to cool depending on the season.
Erik Dirdal, Civil and Structural Engineering Director at global design practice BDP, said: “This project is an excellent example of how careful repurposing and retrofitting of existing buildings can provide state-of-the-art, sustainable and accessible new facilities that, in this case, will educate students for generations to come. By taking this approach, we avoided the need for significant carbon-intensive demolition work and ensured this iconic building provides a lasting legacy for the university.”
Adrian Barnes, regional director at complete construction partner Stepnell, added: “We are incredibly pleased with the outcome of this project to create high-quality teaching facilities for healthcare trainees, designing and building a striking and essential learning space for students.”
The building forms part of the University’s new Severn Campus for Health, Wellbeing and Inclusive Sport, which has seen the University regenerate a largely derelict riverside industrial estate.
Further exciting developments on the new campus are planned, including the world’s first inclusive cricket centre in partnership with the England and Wales Cricket Board, while a further building for teaching the ever-expanding number of health students at the University is also planned for construction in 2024.
The whole campus is being opened up with new cycle and pedestrian facilities, car parking and 100 electric vehicle points which are all available for public use, as is the café in the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson building.