View report page

63
Site and Buildings in Dawlish Road.
The buildings were erected by West Ham Board of Guardians
as a Relief Office and dwelling-house in 1925.
The site covers an area of 2,253 sq. yds.
On the eastern aspect there is a vacant piece of ground—now
set out in allotments—with a road frontage in Dawlish Road of
75 ft. and an area of 7,650 sq. ft.
In the middle of the site is the main building, erected as a
Relief Office and used as such until 5th July last, since when it has
not been in use except once a week for dancing. The road frontage
of this building is 84 ft.
To the west of the main building, and separated from it by
a paved passage-way 6 ft. wide, is a large detached two-storey
house at present occupied by a former Relieving Officer. The house
has a road frontage of 36 ft.
Accommodation.
Main Building.
(a) A large Central Waiting Hall, measuring 72 ft. by 32 ft.
(b) Seven rooms—of which one is used by the non-resident
caretaker—leading off the Central Hall. These rooms have a
uniform width of 13 ft.
(c) More than adequate water closet accommodation for
public and staff.
(d) Store cupboard and telephone room.
(e) Underground boiler house.
Dwelling-House.
Ground floor—large sitting room, living room, kitchen
and scullery.
First floor—three bedrooms (one double) and bathroom.
suitabiilty or premises.
The Special Committee appointed to consider the functions
and design of health centres to be provided under the National
Health Service Act, 1946 were unanimous in recommending that
health centres should be in new buildings specially designed for the
purpose, and undoubtedly that recommendation is sound. Any
adaptation of an existing building is relatively unsatisfactory, and
may be considered to be at best a makeshift arrangement. Unfortunately
it may be a long time before such new ad hoc buildings are
available, but the Relief Office Building in Dawlish Road has the
great advantage that it could be made available for use in the
near future.