As part of the government’s equitable access programme, a group of GPs in Woolwich came together to provide new GP services for patients right in the centre of Woolwich, in south east London. The guaranteed contract was for only 5 years, during which time the new practice had to build up its patient list from scratch. A prominent town centre site was essential.
A contract length of only 5 years meant a new building, normally funded over 20-25 years was unaffordable so Abstract worked with the practice to look at a number of innovative and affordable solutions. Initially, a modular construction was favoured, located on a vacant site in the town. However, the best option was to take a lease on a vacant office – the former Woolwich Equitable Building Society HQ – right in the centre and next to the station. Abstract managed a rapid fit-out that looked just like a new building.