A New Healthcare Hub for Medway
The James Williams Healthy Living Centre has transformed over 40,000 sqft of former retail space within Chatham’s Pentagon Shopping Centre into a modern healthcare destination for the Medway community. Bringing together GP practices, community clinics and wider NHS provision, the facility improves access to healthcare while supporting the continued regeneration of Chatham town centre.
Transforming Existing Space
Repurposing existing retail accommodation presented a unique opportunity to create a high-quality clinical environment within the constraints of an established building.
The project demonstrates how underutilised town centre space can be successfully adapted to meet evolving community needs, delivering long-term social value while extending the life of the existing asset.
On Architecture’s Involvement
Appointed at RIBA Stage 3, On Architecture completed the developed design and provided architectural services through RIBA Stages 4 and 5, supporting the project from technical design through to construction completion.
Our role focused on developing a fully coordinated architectural solution that integrated structural and building services requirements while responding to the specialist demands of a contemporary healthcare setting.
Collaborating with Bauvill
The successful delivery of the James Williams Healthy Living Centre was strengthened by the close working relationship between On Architecture and Bauvill, who appointed us to support the project through the technical design and construction phases. Through collaborative working, clear communication and a shared commitment to quality, we worked closely with Bauvill, the NHS and the wider consultant team to deliver a coordinated and compliant healthcare environment.
The project reflects the strong working relationship between On Architecture and Bauvill, developed through a shared commitment to quality and collaborative delivery. By working closely together throughout the design and construction stages, the team successfully overcame the challenges of converting a former retail unit into a modern healthcare facility for the NHS.
Technical Design and Coordination
Working within a BIM-led design process, we developed detailed Revit models and comprehensive construction information to support delivery on site. This included general arrangement drawings, setting-out information and coordinated technical detailing across a range of architectural packages.
Close coordination of fire strategy, acoustic performance, accessibility standards and healthcare-specific requirements ensured a compliant, efficient and high-performing environment for patients, visitors and staff.
Collaborative Delivery
The successful delivery of the project was achieved through close collaboration with the contractor, consultant team, NHS stakeholders and Medway Council. Through continuous coordination and technical support during construction, the project team successfully transformed a former retail unit into a modern healthcare facility ready to serve the community.
Supporting Community Wellbeing
The completed James Williams Healthy Living Centre provides an accessible, welcoming and future-focused healthcare environment in the heart of Chatham. As both a healthcare destination and a regeneration project, it demonstrates the potential of existing buildings to deliver lasting benefits for the communities they serve.
Explore the full project here: James Williams Healthy Living Centre
