A new blood donation centre has completed in South London, boosting community engagement and playing a key role in combatting sickle cell disease.

The first permanent NHS Blood and Transplant donor centre in Brixton, converted from an unused retail unit, has been completely refitted with nine donor beds and a purpose-built nursing station. Additionally, six consultation rooms, staff changing rooms, and further amenities have been added.

Brixton was identified as the ideal location due to it having the largest Black heritage population in England and Wales, with donations from this demographic set to significantly help combat the UK’s fastest-growing genetic disorder.

Leading multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard was behind the scheme, delivering project management and contract administration services through Perfect Circle via the SCAPE Consultancy Framework.

The team collaborated closely with contractor Carmelcrest Construction to bring the scheme to fruition, earning a nomination for the ‘collaboration to drive change’ award at the NHS Blood and Transplant Together Awards.

Etienne Sharp, project manager at Pick Everard, said: "The conversion of an old retail space into a blood donation centre breathes new life into the building and puts the NHS Blood and Transplant health authority in a prominent area of south London. It also plays a crucial role in increasing new blood donations both locally and on a national level.

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"This is a brilliant project to have been involved in - the amazing integration of local artwork, quality of finishes in the new space, and general look and feel is going to make a substantial difference to a lot of people’s lives and wellbeing in the local area and nationally."

Matt Carter, director at Pick Everard, said: "The finished product is an extremely high-quality centre that balances clinical requirements with a community feel that’s welcoming and familiar. Being located on one of Brixton’s main streets and so close to the tube station, it’s positioned extremely well and at the heart of the neighbourhood."

Pick Everard was brought on board to assist the MEP strategy of the building, with the original design dating back to 1877.

Throughout the project, close stakeholder engagement was central to delivering a design that satisfied all parties and navigated structural limitations.

Community engagement and involvement also played a key role in the project, with bespoke artwork from local creatives, a ‘hero wall’ showcasing inspiring stories of lives saved through donations, as well as a plaque dedicated to Dame Elizabeth Anionwu OM, the country’s first sickle cell nurse counsellor.

Stephen Spooner, operations director at Carmelcrest Construction, said: "It has been a pleasure working alongside NHS Blood and Transplant and Pick Everard throughout the project. The collaboration between all parties was key to delivering this high-quality refurbishment.

“We hope the staff at the Brixton Blood Donor Centre enjoy their refreshed surroundings and that the upgraded facility supports their invaluable work in saving lives."

Mark Chambers, director of donor experience at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "Brixton's first permanent blood donor centre represents a significant step in our ongoing drive to make donating blood as easy, convenient and pleasurable as possible.

"Working in partnership with the Brixton community to develop a unique donor experience that reflects the diversity, vibrancy and giving nature of ‘Brixtonians’ was key to the project’s success, and the new donor centre delivers against every measure.

"With the capacity to welcome more than 1,000 donors a week, the centre is already establishing itself as a popular addition to Brixton’s bustling high street."

Accelerating its healthcare portfolio, Pick Everard is set to work on further blood donation centres across the country this year.