Conversion to new veterinary clinic, Grange over Sands 2019
Having outgrown their existing practice, we were approached by Jeremy and Mandy Voakes in April 2018 to help them with their plans to build a new veterinary facility in Grange over Sands.
At our first meeting we viewed a few sites and it was clear which was the favourite! The old car showroom on Lindale Hill offered an impressive live rock face which the building had been built around, not to mention ample parking and plenty of space to expand the business to provide new services such as hydrotherapy and physiotherapy.
A few months later our clients had purchased the property and we were working on the new layout. Being a mixed practice, the brief included to provide facilities for small animal, farm and equine vets – keeping the whole practice involved and feeling part of a team.
Our clients wanted a large and welcoming reception area as well as separate cat and dog waiting areas to help them achieve ICC Gold Standard. Similarly, they required a dedicated cat consult room and separate wards for cats, dogs and exotics.
The physiotherapy and hydrotherapy suite was to have its own dedicated reception and consultation rooms, and provide a relaxing and calming atmosphere.
Upstairs was to be for the staff offices, space to offer CPDs and training, and importantly, nurse accommodation so that the practice could offer overnight care.
Whilst there was a large space available, we had a few challenges along the way. Namely that the building is on a hill and therefore we had to work this into the design. We did this by using the different levels to creating zoning between clinical, client and Physio/Hydrotherapy areas.
Having worked-up the brief to a design which our clients were pleased with, and gained Change of Use planning permission, we developed the drawings ready for the construction phase, offering suggestions and guidance on materials and finishes whilst bearing in mind our clients’ budget.
Knowing a local contractor whom they trusted, we helped our clients reach an agreement with them for the works. Employing local tradesmen and contractors helped those in the local community as well as ultimately adding towards a more sustainable build overall.
From this point on, ACD took on a consultancy and advisory role, attending site once a month to review progress and answer specific veterinary-design questions.
Jeremy and Mandy were keen to be involved in the project as much as possible and recognised that they couldn’t continue with their normal workload at the same time. They employed an extra vet 12 months before the project started to free up some of their time.
Putting in this extra personal effort truly paid off. Together we created a beautiful practice which we at ACD are very proud to have been involved with.
