In July 2003, the North West Wales NHS Trust assembled a design team including Nightingale Associates, service engineers Arup and structural engineers RVW Consulting to begin work on the Alltwen Site.  The Main Contractor for this project is Allenbuild.  

Ysbyty Alltwen is adjacent to the A487, to the north of Porthmadog and sits just outside the Snowdonia National Park in the shadow of a cliff face known as Craig-y-Castell.  The hospital is currently under construction and due for completion in early 2008. 

Facilities provided at Ysbyty Alltwen will include:

The hospital has been designed as a number of separate building elements.  A two storey building with inpatient areas on the upper floor is positioned to take advantage of daylight, views and privacy from the main hospital entrance.  Single storey sections containing outpatient facilities, offices and support accommodation are located on a higher level near the main entrance for good access, and all sections are grouped around an enclosed central courtyard space, or 'Winter Garden'.  This public space within the development will provide a focus point for the hospital which can be used by staff, patients and visitors all year round, whatever the weather.

Internal areas have been designed to meet new space standards set by the NHS, and to reflect the commitment of the North West Wales NHS Trust to provide a high quality patient environment.

All patient bedrooms have en-suite facilities and are positioned to maximise natural light, as well as providing additional space for clinical procedures and for visiting family members.

The site has complex topography, geology and ecology, all of which have had an impact on the final design.  It also has a rich history and contains the remains of 19th century mine workings and an ancient Roman corn-drying kiln.  Prior to starting construction work, the site was fully investigated by the Gwynedd Archaeological Trust who recorded all the relevant archaeological features before their removal and storage for possible future use as part of the hospital design.

Sustainability has been a key consideration throughout the design process in order to create an exemplar hospital for the 21st Century.  The impact of the building in terms of energy use, pollution, green transport and social considerations is minimised as much as possible.  Sustainability was also an important factor when choosing materials, insulation and the design of the heating system.

The heating system is based around a biomass boiler, which will burn waste timber from local managed forestry sites.  The boiler is extremely efficient, reducing waste from the heating process and also has very low CO₂ emissions.  Its installation has been supported by a grant from the Wood Energy Business Scheme.

Outside local slate from the Penrhyn Quarry will be used and a traditional zinc roof and the existing landscape will be maintained to ensure that the hospital fits into its surroundings as well as is possible.

To view the latest pictures of the development, click on the images below: