Developing the design

The new building is going to be modern while having a brick-fronted, traditional feel that is in keeping with the architecture of the area

After establishing that there was general support for knocking down the Southwark Training Centre (STC) and replacing it with a state-of-the-art building, Kumar put together a design team and recruited an experienced project manager, Ken Cowdery of Frontline Project Management. After the appointment of London-based architects Duggan Morris, well-attended consultation events with staff were set up, which, in turn, led to the creation of a ten-point mission statement.

Acknowledging that many contemporary buildings end up both over budget and over deadline, Kumar is happy to stake his considerable reputation on a public pledge that the new building will open on time within budget.

Describing the flaws of the existing two-storey building with the objective eye of a relative outsider to the NHS, he points out that that its octagonal design hampers flexibility, and results in some seminar rooms having a 'strange shape' .

"In some organisations, like those in the games industry, for example, there might be nothing wrong with having odd-shaped rooms. They might even be kitted out with floor cushions and be used for funky "brainstorming" meetings.

"But this building is simply not appropriate as a centre for learning at one of the world's foremost mental health organisations, which includes the Institute of Psychiatry [sited nearby]. Many visitors to the trust go to the STC and it has often been used for staff induction sessions. Moreover, it has gradually been encroached upon by others, with around half of the rooms being used as administrative offices."

Kumar points out that the STC "lacks external presence" and fails to enhance the appearance of the neighbouring street, Grove Lane, which contains many listed Georgian houses. "Some people have even said the building looks like a prison, which isn't, of course, the image we want to extend to the outside world.

"The new building, which will be three or four stories in height, is going to be modern while having a brick-fronted, traditional feel that is in keeping with the architecture of the area. For example, the wall around the building will have holes in it that will invite passers by to look through into the garden, and we are giving over part of the trust land to improve the appearance of the adjoining street."

Kumar says he is proud that the new building will be ecologically-friendly, with a 'void' at its centre enabling sunlight to help heat the building, which will have a high sustainability rating. "At the current timescale, we hope to receive planning permission from Southwark council in September and to demolish the STC by the end of 2011."