An innovative and groundbreaking project to create bespoke and tailored Low secure environments for challenging Service users with Learning Disabilities.
Client
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
Location
Liverpool, Merseyside
Value
£37,000,000
Gross internal floor area
4,366m2
THE PROJECT
Aspen Wood is Mersey Care NHSFT’s new Low Secure Learning Disabilities Unit located on the Trust’s Maghull Health Park in Liverpool. Currently housed in not fit-for-purpose buildings 40 miles away, the new building represents a complete redesign of the Service, the care environments and overall Trust approach to LD care. The new building is also the gateway scheme in the overall redevelopment of the old Ashworth Hospital site into the Maghull Health and innovation park.
OUR APPROACH
The design of the new unit seamlessly combines SEN school and Scandinavian humane custodial design principles, creating LD-friendly spaces informed by valuable input from service users. This approach results in adaptable spaces, a circular flow for ease of movement, and a strong emphasis on integrating the building with the surrounding landscape, promoting a holistic and therapeutic environment.
WHAT WE DID
The new building features two flexible 20-bed wards, subdivided into 5-bed clusters, emphasizing activity-based therapies and sensory design for the LD nursing pathway. It includes spaces like immersive therapy rooms, contemplation areas, music therapy zones, and gyms. The interior design prioritizes simplicity, natural light, muted colors, and neurodiversity-aware surfaces. A central café fosters engagement and rehabilitation. The interior is fully anti-ligature and robust, with hidden service walkways. First floor areas are staff only and provide much needed Staff welfare spaces as well as admin support and MDT team bases for staff.
THE IMPACT
Not only does the project represent Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust’s evolution of service standards and architectural aspirations for its inpatient builds, but it also firmly announces its reimagining of the Ashworth site into the Maghull Health park. It is a gateway to the site and relates to Rowan View MSU opposite and has prompted design movement of the redevelopment of the Ashworth High Secure Hospital as well as a proposed Mental Health Research and Innovation hub building on the site next door.
