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1.3.9 As a result of these discussions the brief was amended, and in view of the
probable cost of the building the Borough Architect produced a completely new sketch
plan eliminating the expensive underground car parking and simplifying the design and
lay out of the building whilst retaining the interrelationship of the various parts so as to
allow of maximum integration and flexibility in use.
1.3.10 This has involved not only detailed consideration of the use or uses of each
room but a considerable number of anthropometric studies of the activities in each room
to ensure that the arrangements, particularly of the fixtures, will provide for the best
method of carrying out these activities.
1.3.11 It is hoped that the preparation of working drawings, specification and bills of
quantities will allow for tenders to be obtained at the end of 1969.
1.3.12 A plan of the proposed building, which is on two storeys, is shown on pages (ii)
and (iii).
RAYDON CENTRE
1.4.1 Premises at 43 Raydon Street, N.19, owned by the Council but let as a small
woodwork factory became vacant in December 1965. The following November the Council
approved a scheme to adapt the building as a day centre for 35-40 mentally ill people
with a staff of 3. The Ministry approved the scheme and loan sanction was given(£13,076)
in December, 1966. The aim of the centre is to rehabilitate men and women who have been
mentally ill and are for the time being unemployable. By facing the need to associate
again with others, by learning useful skills, and by concurrent social support, they are
enabled to play as active a part in community life as they can. Various types of work are
provided at the centre, which became operational in December 1967, and the people using
it are given every opportunity to attain the highest degree of proficiency of which they
are capable.
1.4.2 The accommodation comprises on the ground floor a work-room and woodwork
annexe; dining room and servery; W.C.s; and on the first floor the Manager's office; a
work-room; staff sitting room; common room; W.C. and outdoor recreational space.
VENTURE HOUSE
1.5.1 This building in Pond Street, N.W.3, the freehold of which is owned by the
Council, was formerly the headquarters and nurses' home of the Hampstead District
Nursing Association. Already before 1965 it had become under-occupied, as district
nurses increasingly preferred to find living accommodation for themselves, and its use
for district nursing purposes ceased at the end of 1965. The Public Building and Amenities
Committee in March, 1966 agreed to the allocation of the premises for conversion to a
mental health hostel.
1.5.2 Loan sanction (£21,865) was obtained in March, 1967. The premises were
adapted to provide a 12-place hostel for mentally subnormal adults who cannot live with
their own families.lt was aimed to make the hostel as homely and comfortable as possible
and to eliminate "institutional" features.
1.5.3. The hostel opened in March, 1968. Like other people, the residents go to work
daily in open or sheltered employment or in local authority training centres.
1.5.4 The accommodation comprises on the lower ground floor a flat for resident
warden; on the ground floor a sitting room; dining room; kitchen; W.C.; washing and ironing
room; and on the first and second floors, 9 single bedrooms; 1 bedroom for three
persons; bedsitting room for assistant warden: warden's office/reception room; 2 bathrooms;
2 W.C's.
EXTENSION OF QUEEN'S CRESCENT MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE CENTRE
1.6.1 During the latter half of 1965 the premises at 127, Queen's Crescent which
adjoin the existing Centre became available for purchase by the Council and it was
proposed that the two houses (Nos. 127 and 129) should be combined to provide better
accommodation for maternity and child health purposes and also to provide accommodation
for the School Treatment Centre from Prince of Wales Road.
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