The collaborative architectural team of Gareth Hoskins Architects and Keppie Design have submitted proposals for planning approval for a new £14M Health and Care Centre in Ballymena. The Centre is the first in a series of new healthcare projects the two practices have been appointed to design for the Northern Health Trust through the PCCI Framework for Northern Ireland Health Estates.

The new Ballymena Health and Care Centre brings together a wide range of primary, intermediary, diagnostic and community health facilities serving the town of Ballymena and the wider Northern Trust catchment area. The new building occupies a prominent position along the street frontage of the existing Braid Valley Hospital site. The departments are split across 2 floors organised around an internal atrium and an open courtyard, with a third floor of Trust services and office accommodation above.

The atrium acts as a main arrival and reception space providing clear orientation and circulation to the different departments. The atrium and courtyard also act as main elements of the BREEAM excellent sustainability strategy for the building, allowing natural daylight and ventilation to reach the large number of cellular spaces that make up each department.