This new, 3 storey centre was built to replace the existing out-of-date community medical facilities just a few minutes walk away.

Located on the Welsh coast the centre boasts fantastic views of the Irish Sea and Gwrych Castle, and includes; 13 consultation rooms, gen- eral treatment and surgery rooms, a minor operation suite, a large reception and waiting room, an open plan administration suite, staff rooms, training facilities and a medical conference area that will greatly benefit health staff in the local area.

The steel framed structure sits on a mix of piled and traditional strip foundations, with insitu metaldeck and concrete floors.

External works included; a 65 space car park, pavements and path- ways, bicycle stands, a bin store, the design and installation of a land- scape scheme, to the approval of the local authority and a roof gar- den. The buildings facade is a mix of; render, timber look composite- resin boarding, and beautiful, locally sourced, natural grey stone.

One of the main features is the stunning, 5 metre high stained glass, atrium window. Entitled “Nurture” the piece was a commission by local artist Paul Jones, and represents ‘the philosophy of medicine and medical practice’ with an angelic, mother nature like figure standing on a pile of medical books.

The centre encompasses an energy efficient, state of the art M&E system with BMS controls and a natural ventilation system. Supplied by Mono-Draft, the ventilation system maximises the use of the natural fresh air that is brought into the building.

A challenge faced during the project was the unforeseen insolvency of the M&E Trade Contractor, by reviewing the programme, working with the client, and the members of the novated design team, McGoff and Byrne ensured this did not effect the contract period and that the building was handed over on time.

After many of years using outdated and undersized community medi- cal facilities, a local ‘Patient Action Group’ had been established who had fought tirelessly for the build of the replacement centre. McGoff and Byrne liaised with the group throughout the project, hosted site visits and local meetings to ensure their needs were catered for.

Community consultations were held for the selection of materials for the internal and external finishes. The diverse palette of materials, both internally and externally, results in a bright and contemporary facility, with exquisite locally sourced materials.

A competition was held with local school children to design the cen- tres logo. The winning design, by a student at the local Ysgol Emrys Ap Lwan, features on the building exterior and on all clinic stationary.

The project was registered under the Considerate Contractors scheme and received some fantastic reports. As the site was located in North Wales, all safety signage was bilingual.

The centre was officially opened by Edwina Hart, Health Minister at the Welsh Assembly. The opening ceremony included the burial of a time capsule, filled with items selected by local school children that will be opened in 2060.

The local community voiced significant support for the new, state of the art facility. Since opening in January 2010 the centre received an NHS NEAT rating of Excellent.