The broad aims of the project are to revitalise the organisation’s member and staff areas, including the library. The project will also improve space utilisation to release one floor of workspace for external revenue generation.

The replan aims to develop a vibrant and flexible range of spaces, and reinforce the building as the international hub for the nursing profession, celebrating its heritage and supporting its members’ professional development.

This project has two key strands; rationalising staff work space into four floors to free up the fifth floor for alternative uses; and redesigning and re-presenting the library. Environmental sustainability is a key factor, informing the procurement and sourcing of products, design of the remodelled spaces and alterations to mechanical and electrical systems.

Aspects of the new library facilities will be opened to the public for the first time and will provide an opportunity for the wider public to learn more about the history of nursing and modern nursing practice. As the building is listed with English Heritage the project has a number of key Building Control challenges including:

• Means of escape for increased numbers
• Disabled access provision
• Part L consequential Improvements

By working with the client and design team, Wilkinson Construction Consultants have been able to deliver a sympathetic interpretation of the Building Regulations to meet the client’s aspirations and regulatory requirements.