Altnagelvin Hospital

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Nine storey tower block with eight storey side wing forming L on plan. A one storey outpatients’ clinic forms a courtyard with the L at the base. On the original design as built, a road passed along the side of the outpatients and through the base of the smaller block where the main entrance to the building was located. The area is now built up and two stainless steel and powder coated aluminium porches with revolving doors give access from each side. The building has been recently re-clad with a curtain walling system which has greatly altered its appearance. Original textured brickwork at the load bearing end walls remain as do the moulded concrete water tanks on the roof which have been painted white. A low brick clad ‘nucleus template’ extension is linked to the front facade, it is soon to be obscured from the entrance by another ‘nucleus’ extension. In the parkland
setting around the main hospital are a number of buildings which use the same architectural language as the original main building. The mortuary linked to the main building by an underground tunnel is of note, as is the Nurses Home which is described in record HB01/08/007.

Historical information

Built between 1956 and 1959 and opened on 1st February 1960. Architect F R S Yorke of Yorke Rosenberg and Mardall. The first completely new Acute General Hospital to be built since the end of World War II in the UK. Internal modifications to existing wards completed in 1972-73, with addition of coronary care unit. “Nucleus template” extension of 2 storeys designed by Health Estates Department of DHSS (NI) opened on 8 June 1985. Entrance tunnel under building blocked up in 1987 and space converted to clinical and office accommodation. Entrance hall redesigned and mural removed to Belfast in 1987. Building re-clad, exposed brick walls dry lined and foam injected in 1994/95 by Bickerdike Allen & Partners London. Heating bill reduced by 30%, concrete spalling had also occurred on the exterior. Present extension based on nucleus concept. It will be clad in white panels with a green roof.and designed by Todd Architects and Planners and Health Estates. Mr William McMaas has been project manager of all site developments from the early 1980s.

References:
Dallat Cahal Altnagelvin’s Thirty Glorious Years PMC Ltd 1990
Health Estates Department DHSS (NI)

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

A fine piece of 1950s architecture with a clear concept and resolution. Well sited on an imposing position at the edge of the city. However the clarity of the original architecture has been obscured by the various additions and new cladding, and though still an imposing form and instructive plan with a special importance as the first new hospital of the N H S, it is not now worth listing.