Finally today we held our first clinic in our superb new state-of-the-art dedicated hospital in a rural setting on the outskirts of East Grinstead. It is so nice after such a long battle to be able to show it to our eager patients. We are pleased to report that the day went perfectly with no glitches - thanks largely to a huge amount of effort from the staff and support of all the wonderful suppliers of our technology who have done a stirling job of moving the delicate equipment - and of course thanks to the superb design of the building!
Photos will be posted shortly!
July 2009 - moving in
Following a few hiccups typical of a build of this scale, we are finally starting to move into our new hospital. The maze of consulting and diagnostic rooms, and two state-of-the-art theatres have really impressed all of our staff and we are looking forward to showing it to the public. The interior is light and airy, with beautiful bespoke wooden furniture softening the highly specialised technology we are renowned for.
June 2009 - the final countdown
As the new build draws to a close all attention is focused on the buildings finer interior details. With paint on the walls and beautiful oak features throughout, the style and feel of the building has really sprung to life. I couldn't be happier to say we are now moving in early July.
December 2008 - Update
The building is now dry and scaffolding completely off. Landscaping and internal fit-out are currently underway. The interiors and room adjacencies will provide patients with an exceptional experience as well as enable Centre for Sight to provide its usual high tech and exemplary care in a modern 21st century environment.
22nd September 2008
- 'Topping-off' ceremony
Today Centre for Sight celebrated the 'topping-off' of its new building. Many members of staff attended along with the contractors responsible for the build and our architect.
The contractors very kindly presented Mr Sheraz Daya and his wife Marcela with two young oak trees to replace an established old tree that had been uprooted to make way for the building's foundations.
28th August - roof going on
Half the building is now covered and the next major milestone is within sight. We aim to have the whole building covered by the end of September so that interior works can take place during the winter.
17th July 2008
- our building starts to take shape
Things are really happening fast now. In little more than a month the majority of the walls are now up and the roof trusses are being hoisted into place.
Taking a wander around the maze of internal rooms on the ground floor you can start to get an idea of the scale of the building.
7th June 2008 - theatre walls are up
The theatre walls are up and the external brickwork is starting to give us a glimpse of what is to come.
The upper half of the building will be clad with wood and the roof will be zinc - there is no disputing that the award winning architects, Toh Shimazaki, have done a stunning job!
8th May 2008 - site cleared
The site has now been cleared and the foundations are almost down. The first walls are going up to support the steep bank to the side of the building.
The bank is topped with a newly laid track ready for an extension to the famous Bluebell Steam Railway which is scheduled to open shortly - another unique feature to Centre for Sight! Look out for Thomas the Tank !
21st June 2007 - pre-building
In recent years we have outgrown the available accommodation at the Queen Victoria Hospital and since 2000 Centre for Sight has been looking to relocate to premises which meet the needs and expectations of a facility of this type.
Following a lengthy process with tremendous support from the Town Council as well as many of our patients, we are pleased to inform you that we now have received planning permission to build a state of the art eye care centre. It is our intention to make this the most modern facility in the UK and will be purpose built and dedicated to medical and surgical eye care. The building will be located at the old site of Hazelden Farm just outside East Grinstead on the B2110 Turners Hill Road. The building will be of high quality and fit right in opposite an area of outstanding natural beauty and there will be no problems parking!
Although we have full planning, the building will be revised to fit in with the topography of the area and also to be environmentally friendly
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