Judges have voted a new multi-million pound children’s hospital in Brighton as Britain’s best public building.
The Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award went to the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, which was selected from a 21-strong shortlist.
The hospital – known locally as the Alex – was praised by judges for its nautical theme with white concrete panels and bright bands of colour reflecting its seaside setting.
The building is centred on a light-filled atrium providing a bright reception, and the 100 patient beds are arranged in single, two-bedded and four-bedded units, each with a sea view.
Furniture has been specially-designed for children and every in-patient bed has its own pull-out bed for a parent. Family accommodation on the top level includes en-suite bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms and terraces.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “This award showcases what can be achieved when high-quality design is coupled with highly-effective delivery. I hope that the Alex will prove to be an inspiration to other planners, developers and architects.”
The hospital can trace its history back to 1881, but in June 2007 it relocated to the city’s Royal Sussex County Hospital, with three times the floor space of the old hospital and double the number of beds.
Copyright PA Business 2008
