Historic health building given new lease of life
An old health building in the middle of a Portsmouth neighbourhood has been given a new lease of life, helping hospital patients to get back on their feet.
Historic Jubilee House in Medina Road, Cosham, had seen better days before a project to modernise it began to take shape earlier this year.
Now, following a dramatic transformation by Solent NHS Estates and Facilities, it has an exciting future as a bustling hub where physiotherapists can see their patients in the heart of the community.
The renovation – which took less than ten months to complete – was hailed as “incredible” as the building was officially opened in front of directors, clinicians, estates team members and contractors.
Before cutting a celebratory ribbon, Alasdair Snell, Chief Operating Officer at Solent NHS Trust, told guests: “The transformation has been phenomenal and in such a short space of time.
“Massive congratulations to everyone involved in giving this very special building a new lease of life; you should all be really proud of what you have achieved. Jubilee House will provide a great place to work for our people and an environment that will help our patients’ rehabilitation thrive.”
The new-look building boasts a light, airy and spacious gym overlooking the gardens and two wings lined with modern consulting rooms. There is also a dedicated space for group work, new staff facilities and offices.
Staff moved into the premises last month, having relocated from the nearby Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth.
Sally Frost, Musculoskeletal (MSK) Operational Lead, said: “I never would have imagined us here 18 months ago, but it has been an exciting journey which I hope the team felt involved with through visits and updates.
“Moving to Jubilee House has been really positive. Our physios are now working out of consulting rooms rather than cubicles, we have great IT and – best of all – a large outside space which will be amazing in terms of the wellbeing of our patients and staff.”
The transformation from an outdated building which had provided end of life care to a modern outpatient centre was not all plain sailing.
Once the estates team had access to the property, it quickly became apparent that more than a lick of paint was needed.
Kevin Walls, Estates Architect and Senior Project Manager, described how everyone had pulled together to get the building transformed with limited time and budget.
As well as major renovation work in the two-storey former farmhouse, which was built in 1784, main contractor BIS worked hard to fit out high quality consultation rooms and support spaces within the single storey areas.
Warm and welcoming paint shades were used to brighten up the walls, and the windows were replaced with modern double glazed aluminium frames for much improved thermal performance.
Although not listed, Jubilee House stands in a conservation area – meaning tight rules and regulations had to be followed to ensure the refurbishment project was carried out sympathetically.
The building welcomed its first rehabilitation patients in October, with plans now being drawn up to develop the garden area.
