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67
no change affecting the general structure proved necessary. The Council
went into occupation in July, 1926, and the work of Maternity and Child
Welfare in that area has been carried on there successfully ever since.
These premises, although obviously a converted shop, have served the
purpose for the time being extremely well. The situation and general
lay-out are very convenient, and although not designed as a model centre,
certain necessary facilities are provided which are lacking at the Council's
other centres, namely, a ground floor level with the pavement, in which
there is an office and large space for perambulators. On the first floor a
spacious airy waiting-room communicates with two other rooms, which
open out of each other, but have separate exits. The entire premises give
an impression of ample space. Since work was begun at Frith Street considerable
experience has been gained as to the requirements for a permanent
centre in this area. The best situation would appear to be in
Frith Street, Dean Street, or Greek Street. These are parallel open
streets easily reached from working-class dwellings at either extremity
of the district, such as those in Wild Street, Covent Garden, and in the
Grosvenor Ward. As regards lay-out and floor space, the following points
should receive consideration:—
(1) It should be approached directly from the street, the ground floor
being almost level with the pavement.
(2) The street frontage on the ground floor should be inviting in
appearance and with suitable windows.
(3) The ground floor should have an area of, say, 751 feet, which
allows for a vestibule, an office, and general space for perambulators,
cupboard room and lavatory.
(4) The first floor, 1,102 feet, should allow for stairs, landing, passage
and three rooms, one 29 feet by 14 feet, a second, 24 feet by
14 feet, a third, 15 feet by 12 feet, and lavatory.
(Total floor space, 1,856 square feet.)
(5) If another floor were to be provided, there should be quarters for
a resident caretaker.
If the building be enclosed between party walls, there should be ample
through ventilation by windows on each floor at front and back, with an
area or courtyard behind measuring at least all the width of the building,
and not less than 15 feet across. Windows on three sides of the building
are of great advantage, but these ideal conditions are difficult to obtain
in this neighbourhood.
These suggestions provide for the minimum accommodation which is
desirable for a centre in this district, the object being to economise space