The project was the result of an Architectural Design Competition for Primary Community Care Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Kennedy FitzGerald Architects in association with Avanti Architects were appointed in 2005 as Architects and Lead Consultants for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust. The centre increases the range of primary care and community services available to patients in Portadown and reduces pressure on Craigavon Acute Hospital. The Centre provides surgeries for all GPs in the Portadown area and includes a wide range of specialised Healthcare facilities; consulting suites, dental suites, facilities for minor surgical procedures, crèche facilities, pharmacy and café.

The compact triangular three storey building is planned around a central atrium. This arrangement makes the building easy to understand for all users and allows for direct access to many departments without patients having to pass through one department to reach another. Public access to the perimeter spaces on the upper floors is via a stair and lift at the centre of the atrium and bridges span from this core across the atrium void to reception and waiting areas that overlook external landscaped views. Way finding is reinforced by a clear system of colour coding and super-graphics signage.

The detailed design and integration of the structure and the services in the building have also been developed so as to provide a high degree of flexibility and to create an energy efficient and sustainable facility.

The project won in the ‘Best Future Design Concept’ category at the Building Better Healthcare Awards 2006.

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