Hub space squeeze – where will ambulances go?

Earlier this year, NHS bosses agreed to add a ‘public square’ to the front of the Market Square neighbourhood health centre Hub

This could improve the look of the Hub – but raises a doubt over ambulance access

The agreement on the square came after pressure to reduce the dominating visual impact of the five-storey Hub on the lovely Water Gardens 

Historic England were concerned that such a building would create a ‘canyon’ effect which would make the Gardens look smaller

The Council agreed with that heritage watchdog to add a ‘public square’ to the Waterhouse Street frontage of the Hub to soften the impact on the Gardens

But that leaves a question mark over how ambulances can access the Hub

Will an ambulance bay be awkwardly combined with the new ‘public square’?

Or will ambulances just have to draw up in Waterhouse Street or Marlowes?

The authorities keep trying to squeeze too much into the unsuitable, too small Market Square

There are better options on the current site