Transforming the Newcastle Hospitals
0191 233 6161Relocating the Conservatory
The Conservatory has been a part of the Royal Victoria Infirmary for over 100 years
Built in 1906 it was originally a covered link between the Nurses' Home and the old main corridor of the RVI.
It has been a place for rest and relaxation for patients, visitors and staff alike and holds fond memories for many people over the last Century.
Time however moves on
The Nurses’ Home now houses offices and Crawford House - operated by the Sick Children’s Trust - is used as accommodation for the families of sick children from the nearby wards.
The major changes to the RVI being undertaken as part of the Transforming the Newcastle Hospitals Investment Programme will mean the link between the old Nurses’ Home and the Victoria Wing will go - severed by a new road from Richardson Road to the new Accident and Emergency Department.
This will leave the Conservatory exposed on a site that is far removed from its original peaceful setting. The historical and physical - not to mention sentimental - context of the Conservatory will change forever.
What of the future?
As part of the Transforming the Newcastle Hospitals project - and due for completion in 2012 - is a new clinical administration and educational hub which is being built around the listed buildings Peacock Hall and St Luke's Chapel.
This will provide a new £20 million office block for medical, nursing and support staff which will also include a new state of the art Education Centre.
As part of this development, it is proposed to provide a new Conservatory which will be in a setting more fitting to the fresh environment.
It was originally intended that the Conservatory be taken down piece by piece and re-built. A feasibility study has however concluded that a structure constructed over a century ago would not meet the rigorous building or health and safety regulations which do apply to these buildings. It is debatable as to whether or not it could be reassembled at all.
Proposals are now being developed for a new Conservatory to be built in the style of the current model. This will provide a peaceful repose and area to host receptions and meetings right in the heart of the RVI. The challenge is to bring about a facility that will be in keeping with the historical context that exists around the two listed buildings.
What will happen to the plants?
Some of the larger specimen plants are being removed and will be stored safely until such time as they can be brought back to the new Conservatory. Staff will be given the opportunity to purchase the smaller plants, the proceeds of which will go to the Newcastle Healthcare Charity.
Timescales
Removal of the existing Conservatory was started in January 2009 and completion of the new Conservatory is expected in mid 2012.
