St Martins House Medical Centre
210 Chapeltown Rd, Leeds LS7 4HZ
St Martins Practice had been searching for a premises solution for over 10 years and were previously operating from two converted 1930s semi detached houses with a net internal area of 232 m2 and 2 portable cabins on the grounds. Planning had lapsed and the council had stated it was not prepared to allow them to remain indefinitely. There was no disabled access to the first floor, the practice was woefully undersized and there was no scope to redevelop of extend on their current site.
Due to their inner-city location, and focus on a site for a new build, they had been unsuccessful. In this time, the existing premises had become increasingly cramped and sub-standard. Mayfair Group Investment (MGI) engaged the practice and purchased St Martin’s House which had recently been used as offices. The location of this site was felt to be a real strength in terms of acceptability by patients located opposite the existing practice. The site was also immediately available.
MGI breathed new life into a magnificent Georgian building, doubling the floor plate and meeting all HBN requirements, they also integrated a pharmacy and built space for other providers including Newmedica who occupy a floor to carry out advanced eye procedures within a community setting.
St Martins House is truly a hub for integrated primary care and an example of overcoming numerous obstacles to achieve modern day primary care that truly serves the local community.
Programme Date
March 2017 - May 2018
Sector
Healthcare
Services Provided
Developer
Project Cost
£3 Million
Project
Brief
The brief for St Martin’s Medical Centre was to create a high-quality, future-ready healthcare facility that supports modern models of patient care. Key objectives were:
- Help reduce healthcare inequalities and accessibility issues in the area
- address the inadequacy of current premises. For example, significantly improved
accessibility for all patients as the new building will exceed all statutory obligations (such as the Equalities Act) - To provide a healthier environment and more environmentally responsible premises for both patients and staff to operate in
- To deliver a project that reflects value for money and contributes to the local health
economy - To positively impact upon admission rates especially for the over 75 by providing further access to primary care services
- Additional consulting and treatment rooms to meet the needs of the existing and the expanding patient list and enable the practice to offer more appointments to meet patient demand and improve access
- Opportunity to co-locate other providers as to work in a more integrated fashion to increase opening hours, share expertise and provide access to a wider range of services from one site.
Development
Process
The project delivered 740m² of GMS space, a pharmacy, and a dedicated floor for Newmedica’s eye procedures. It required close collaboration with healthcare stakeholders, community groups, and the local authority.
- Planning permission – Located in a conservation area, the site faced strict planning conditions. MGI engaged early with planners and local councillors, designing a sympathetic extension—doubling the floor plate while preserving street views—to secure approval without going to committee.
- Adapting a Georgian building – MGI stripped the structure to shell and made major structural interventions to integrate HBN-compliant layouts into the original fabric. While challenging, the high ceilings provided ideal voids for modern M&E systems.
- Community engagement – Patient groups were initially sceptical due to past failed proposals. MGI prioritised trust-building through PPG meetings, local events, and demographic-led service planning, ensuring the project met local needs.
- CCG & NHS England Approval – MGI negotiated with the District Valuer (DV) and presented a business case to justify an increase in space ensuring there was provision for future space demands and additional practice services.
Post Completion
Review
Project Delivery and Outcomes
St Martin’s Medical Centre has been completed successfully and is now fully operational, delivering vital healthcare services to the Chapeltown community.
The project has met all of its key objectives, providing an attractive, efficient, and futureproofed facility that supports modern clinical practices and enhances the patient experience.
Key Project Highlights
- Purpose-built primary care medical centre with a pharmacy and eye clinic operated by Newmedica.
- Designed in close consultation with healthcare stakeholders
- Increase in patient list size for the practice
- Flexible internal layouts to support a wide range of services
- Energy-efficient building systems and enhanced sustainability measures
- Delivered on time and within budget
- Increased the activity of the PPG who carry out gardening and vegetable growing clubs on the premises
- Co-location of services contribute to ‘Health Hub’ status
Building Features and Community Impact
Since its opening, St Martin’s Medical Centre has been warmly received by both patients and healthcare professionals.
The building offers bright, spacious consulting and treatment rooms, welcoming public areas, and excellent staff facilities – contributing to improved staff wellbeing and patient satisfaction.
Its Inner City location and excellent transport links ensure easy accessibility for the local population, helping to promote better healthcare engagement within the community.
Enhanced Building Features
- Spacious, light-filled reception and waiting areas
- Fully accessible with level access and DDA-compliant facilities
- High-performance HVAC and lighting systems
- Flexible clinical spaces adaptable to future service needs
- Secure staff areas & access control and well-designed circulation spaces
- Sustainable building envelope and low-energy design
Client
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