The recently completed GP surgery in Sidley, Bexhill on Sea, by DRP Architects (http://www.drparchitects.co.uk) combines modern amenities with contemporary design. The new centre provides a six GP surgery, minor operations suite, extensive administration and meeting facilities and an independently run pharmacy.

The new facility replaces an outdated 1980s brick built surgery with almost three times the space. Designed by DRP Architects, the new £1.3M development provides improved services for patients, as well as benefiting the local community.

The building is approached directly off the street. A two storey block of brick work and untreated Siberian larch cladding with a butterfly roof forms the main presence of the building. The centre houses waiting, pharmacy, administration and minor surgery services over the two floors. A single storey element with a low pitched roof to the East of this forms the GP and nurses accommodation and includes treatment and examinations rooms.

A large waiting area is lit from the south by an extensive obscured reglit glazed wall. The obscuration and deep eaves help to reduce over-heating and provide an element of privacy. Exposed columns in the waiting area add interest.

The main entrance is highlighted by a two storey protruding bay in grey render and the single storey element features glazed zinc boxes protruding from the main facade There is an independently run pharmacy which is located within the building - common practice in today's GP surgeries.

Built of masonry construction with a brick and block precast concrete first floor slab and steel framed roof, the building features coloured render, a blue brick band which runs around the whole lower level and untreated Siberian larch cladding at first floor level that extends across to cover the deep soffits.

The logistics of taking the project to site were complicated and involved negotiations with the local authority over additional land take, relocation of the doctors to temporary accommodation, and reinstatement of a children's play park.

Due to the high incidence of vandalism in the area - local youths use to climb on the roof of the former surgery due to the steep bank at the rear of the surgery. 'Secured by Design', a police iniative to encourage design to address issues of security, became an important factor in the design and resulted in large overhanging eaves, remodelling of the bank and dense spiky planting. To date there have been no reported incidents of vandalism.

The building was a design and build contract which completed in June 2008

The new surgery offers a wider range of services to the 15,500 patients currently registered at the Practice, including: minor surgery; chronic disease management and sexual health clinics. The pharmacy will allow patients to receive their healthcare and medication under one roof.

Email: olli.b@drparchitects.co.uk