was this really the conservativesDemolition and Redevelopment of Central Middlesex Hospital Site07-Aug-2006In April and May this year, the clinical work at Central Middlesex Hospital transferred from the old buildings into its new, award winning £82million hospital. After the building closed to the public, there was a magnificent farewell party for staff and many photos were taken of the old hospital to record both its passing, and these will become part of the Trust’s archives. In June demolition of the old buildings began, starting with outpatients. The contractor is managing demolition and once the building is knocked down most of the material will be taken away, while some of it will be used in the foundations for the new surface car parks and bus interchange and landscaped areas which are to be developed later in the year. Before demolition began key artefacts were being removed, including two turrets, the Acton Lane gates, the clock and the foundation stones. These will be preserved for posterity and where possible and practical, displayed within the new hospital and its grounds. All the buildings on the CMH site are being demolished, including the façade of the clock tower which it was originally felt might remain. Although the tower was a central feature of the old hospital, the building was to have been cut in half by the external works, and if left behind would have compromised the value of the sale and subsequent development of the site, which it is planned will create 100 key worker homes and over 150 jobs in health, science, media, retail, leisure, services or other businesses by 2008.
Robert Klein ● 5993d