There was strong support for the Fleming Centre during the first phase of consultation, with 97 per cent of survey respondents backing the proposals, with particular support for its approach to employment, learning, and sustainability.
Here’s a summary of our responses to specific issues and requests for more detail:
What we heard and how we’re responding
- Parts of the Bays building should be retained
We will continue to recognise the site’s industrial heritage and scientific past by retaining as much of the existing building as possible and carefully removing what cannot be kept to ensure the new centre meets modern standards. - There should be training and employment opportunities for local people
We are pleased to be able to offer a range of opportunities at all levels in the new centre connected to healthcare and research. - There should be learning and collaboration opportunities in the new centre
There will be plenty of opportunities to get involved through our inclusive events programme hosted in the new public discovery centre and through partnerships with local groups. - The walkways should be made more accessible
Our design team has been working hard to make the walking routes around the Bays more accessible. The cobble path will be replaced, but new materials will sensitively align with the character of the Bays. - We would like to see the centre making the most out of its location next to the canal
The Centre will offer a relaxed café, pocket parks filled with greenery and a welcoming pavilion by the canal. - Construction should be managed carefully
All construction will follow Westminster’s Code of Construction Practice and the Considerate Constructors Scheme to ensure safety, quality, and respect for the community.
Focusing on delivery and materials
How the Fleming Centre will deliver spaces for collaboration, research and the community.
What the Fleming Centre will deliver
- Open, collaborative public spaces connected to a rooftop terrace, for institutions, academics, policymakers and the community.
- Publicly accessible exhibition and events spaces on the ground and first floors, and a new canal-side café.
- Workspaces, laboratories and clinics to enable cutting-edge research.
- Welcoming outdoor spaces and routes that are safe and accessible.
Our design principles
- A design concept fit for the future, with sustainability and wellbeing at its heart.
- A celebration of the Bays’ industrial heritage and scientific past.
- Inclusive and versatile spaces to welcome a diverse community.
Materials
- Modern elements: aluminium windows and copper rainscreen panels.
- Durability: robust, low maintenance, long life materials.
- Identity: distinctive façade creating a welcoming presence.
Respecting the past
How the Fleming Centre design celebrates its heritage while creating a landmark for the future.
- Retaining heritage features whilst also incorporating a modern vertical extension.
- Sensitively extending the top of the existing building by four storeys, with an additional rooftop terrace.
- Creating a ‘veil’ exterior with a perforated patterned metal screen, giving delicacy and depth to the building.
- Extending the life of The Bays by retaining walls and historic features, and reusing reclaimed materials.
Indoor and outdoor spaces
Indoor spaces
The Fleming Centre will bring world-leading expertise and investment to Paddington and provide a space for the local community.
- Public research facilities to help tackle AMR and collaborate.
- A rooftop terrace
- Workspaces bringing together researchers, policymakers and more.
- Open-view laboratories where cutting-edge research will take place.
- The Fleming Discovery Centre with interactive exhibition and events.
- A building that fosters collaboration with visible research areas.
Outdoor spaces
- Rooftop terrace: space to meet, relax and enjoy views.
- Improving pedestrian access: safer, well-lit pathways.
- A new pavilion: one larger pavilion with soft landscaping.
- Planting and greenery: trees, plants, and rooftop landscaping.
- Better connections: preserving routes while creating a strong identity.
Building elevations
Floor plans
Explore the planned layout of the Fleming Discovery Centre, from the ground floor public spaces to the rooftop terrace.
Ground floor – Fleming Discovery Centre
Includes main entrance lobby, exhibition space, café, and visitor facilities.
Second floor – Public research unit
Specialist workspaces for collaboration and research.
Third floor – Laboratories
Laboratory spaces supporting research and innovation.
Fourth floor – Workspaces
Flexible workspaces designed for collaboration.
Fifth floor – Workspaces and convening spaces
Combination of work areas and convening rooms for meetings and events.
Sixth floor – Roof terrace and plant
A rooftop terrace with landscaped areas and plant rooms.
Feedback
The feedback form has now closed. However, if you have any further comments on the designs or the exhibition itself, please email imperial.communications@nhs.net