We are delighted to have assisted in securing planning permission in Islington for a unique project for the Maltese charity Puttinu Cares Foundation.
During a planning committee meeting, borough councillors unanimously approved the change of use application to convert the vacant building on Margery Street into a signature facility. This facility will support the vital work that Puttinu Cares Foundation undertakes in the UK. The building will be transformed into temporary living accommodation for Maltese nationals receiving critical cancer treatment at NHS hospitals and their families.
What was our role?
Granit Architects formed part of a multi-disciplinary team that included planning consultants DP9 and fire engineers CHPK Fire Engineering. We advised and assisted with a pre-application enquiry and the subsequent planning application, which was supported by local and national political figures alike.
You can see here what the building looks like from the outside:
The proposal sees the conversion of a redundant hostel (sui generis) into temporary living accommodation comprising 23 units, plus staff facilities. Whilst no medical treatment will take place on site, the building will provide accommodation for patients and their families during their courses of treatment.
Given the difficult time that the visitors will face, especially being far from home, Puttinu Cares Foundation required that the facility be safe and comfortable for the visitors. Central to the design is fostering a sense of independence, with the units incorporating accessible cooking and sanitary facilities.
At committee, councillors and planning officers recognised that the planning application was unique, and of international significance given the longstanding relationship between the United Kingdom and Malta. It was further recognised that Puttinu Cares Foundation had raised a spectacular €3 million over the Easter weekend to progress the project to fruition.
We are excited to continue our support for Puttinu Cares Foundation and the project as it progresses.
You can find out more by speaking to our team and our contact details are here.
