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Home , Bronllys, Llangammarch Wells

A Vision for Hospital Site

may 2011 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Powys Teaching Health Board and The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment would like to thank all local residents and stakeholders for their efforts prior to and during the Enquiry by Design Workshop.

2 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site Contents

Executive Summary

Vision Statement 5

1.0 Introduction 6

2.0 Methodology 7

3.0 Results and Findings 8

4.0 The Proposed Outcomes 10

5.0 Conclusions and Recommendations 44

APPENDICES (separate document) 44

A - Landscape Report

B - Heritage Report

C - Landscape Heritage

D - Tourism and Leisure Briefing

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 3 Executive Summary

Figure 1 - A vision of Bronllys Hospital in the future

Since the turn of the century, the Bronllys for the Built Environment (The Prince’s healthcare related activities ranging from Hospital site has provided local residents Foundation). The key concept of this vision research and development to care living, and patients from further afield with a is to create a nationally significant health as well as retained centres of excellence for unique health and wellbeing experience. ‘nucleus’ underpinned by a new Institute example in pain management. Illnesses as well as remedies in their of Life Sciences for , comprising nature evolve to require new responses, Bronllys Hospital site with existing and Due to a number of constraints and and the Teaching Health Board new services for Bronllys and . issues, a set of scenarios for shaping (tHB) and the local recognise This ‘nucleus’ would be supported by the the vision were produced accompanied there is now an opportunity for such a existing wellbeing offer within the region, by respective strategies that include response by diversifying and increasing and vice versa, such as research into plants implementation and delivery. Stakeholders the services available on site run by new used to make medicines, organic farming, and the tHB’s preferred scenario was that operators alongside the NHS, in addition and healthy activities such as walking which incorporated a portion of new to improving the buildings in which and cycling within the countryside. The accommodation, which would strengthen they are located. These improvements duality of this health nucleus and regional the ‘nucleus’ as a whole, financially would provide an efficient and relevant wellbeing offer would provide many support the demolition and construction health and wellbeing offer to patients, new opportunities and facilities for the of buildings on the hospital site and retain and would strengthen the local and wider local community, health-seeking visitors some of the existing services currently community’s economic wellbeing and and tourists, create new local jobs, and located on the site. sense of place. strengthen, nationally, educational links between Bronllys and other national To implement this transformation, the Powys tHB, collaboratively with key academic centres and tourism. tHB and stakeholders believe that the stakeholders, produced a sustainable forthcoming Local Development Plan vision for the regeneration and growth The vision for Bronllys Hospital site has should recognise the potential of this of the site and its wider context through the potential to stimulate new business site and allocate it accordingly. The tHB an Enquiry by Design (EbD) process, opportunities creating for Wales an will submit this document as part of its facilitated by The Prince’s Foundation exciting multi-faceted campus of health / Candidate Site submissions in May 2011.

4 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site Vision Statement...... Powys tHB

County Council across Hay, Talgarth, and .

This work identifies that Bronllys Hospital is far too large for any future NHS purpose, and a new vision and future for the site needs to be developed. From a planning policy perspective, the site lies in the open countryside where new development is generally precluded. However is embarking on its Local Development Plan and has placed a call for candidate sites for future development across Powys. The tHB, with the support of the Welsh Assembly Government has therefore engaged The Prince’s Foundation to prepare development proposals for the site through its EbD Process.

Core to the EbD process is the need to develop an economic case and purpose for a development. It is proposed to take the 100 year-old heritage and culture of the Bronllys and Talgarth area as a centre for Health and Well-being as the genesis for an economic regeneration strategy for the site. The aim of this strategy would be to diversify the use of the site Figure 2 - The hospital’s Refectory building to increase the economic benefit it could provide to the local community, while Bronllys Hospital has a revered history. and TB has now been all but eradicated. retaining an ability to provide healthcare Opened in the 1920s by George V and The Mid-Wales Hospital closed in 1999 on the site. The additional uses of the site Queen Mary as a memorial to his father, as the way in which people with mental could include developing an academic, the aim of this Arts and Crafts designed health problems are cared for changed research and development centre for sanitarium was to contribute to the significantly. As health technology has life-sciences and health and well-being, eradication of tuberculosis. The hospital moved on, many hospital services are now developing the chronic pain service as a was built on a south facing site; this aspect provided in larger district general hospitals, centre of excellence, a service for miltary would have been chosen specifically for so the role of small community hospitals veterans, care home provision, a centre its health enchancing properties, which has needed to change. Much of Bronllys for commercial health and well-being would have been thought to aid recovery. Hospital has been considerably adapted treatments supported by a small hotel and since its early days as a TB institution, but developing opportunities for community Along with the Mid-Wales mental health a proportion of the remaining buildings business in catering, landscape and hospital in nearby Talgarth the hospital are no longer fit for purpose as a long term maintenance. The Prince’s Foundation served a wide population in South East option for health services provision. propose that the site be given over to a and and thus provided a source Community Land Trust that would be able of economic vibrancy and significant The Bronllys and Talgarth community to retain and maintain the core elements employment to the local community once welcomed people from far and wide of the site upon which the ethos of well- through most of the 20th century. to their hospitals. The challenge now for the being were originally built. NHS is to design local services that meet The current facilities on the Bronllys the future needs of the local population. The goal would be to re-create the Hospital site stand as a testament to the The tHB has been engaged in a dialogue Bronllys and Talgarth area as a nationally advances in healthcare in the century with the local community about local and internationally recognised centre since it was provided on the site. TB services and has committed to maintaining for health and well-being providing a immunisation and the introduction of and strengthening services, particularly focus for employment and pride in the antibiotic treatment coincided with the community services and developing care community to take it forward in the 21st introduction of the NHS in the 1940s, home services in partnership with Powys century health and well-being market.

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 5 1.0 Introduction

Figure 3 - Stakeholders develop the vision during the EbD workshop

1.1 Context and scope of report Hospital site within the emerging Local fully in tune with the Welsh Assembly Development Plan (LDP). Government’s acknowledgement that This report illustrates that a regenerated effective community engagement in the Bronllys Hospital site, on the basis of earliest stages of plan preparation should the EbD vision, can become a place that 1.3 Method of enquiry help the local planning authority to secure will generate prosperity, and provide a degree of consensus over the future health and community related services, The tHB’s mission is to produce and development and use of land in its area. to Bronllys, Talgarth and the region. The implement a sustainable vision for the report has been written for the tHB, the future use of the site reached collaboratively local Council, EbD stakeholders and local between key and wider stakeholders 1.4 General project background residents. and local residents, which is routed in The Bronllys Hospital site was considered social, natural and financial realities. The to be conducive to wellbeing because of its tHB therefore opted to use The Prince’s 1.2 Report objectives and limits south-facing aspect and panoramic views. Foundation’s EbD process and its design A local workforce skilled in healthcare The report’s objectives are to: 1) present tool known as the Community Capital and wellbeing became established and the sustainable vision for regeneration and framework to develop this vision. still exists in the Bronllys area. The site as growth of the Bronllys Hospital site and a hospital complex is currently inefficient its wider context, the scenarios through The tHB believes that this process best both functionally and structurally. There which this vision may take form and their engages stakeholders and local residents to are many structurally obsolete buildings, respective delivery and implementation produce a design that is generated through estate land which is not being used to its full options; and 2) set out key conclusions social, natural, financial as well as built potential and which as a result has become and recommendations for how this project capital. Section 2.1 and 2.2 provides further a maintenance burden to the tHB. could proceed. information detailing the EbD process and Community Capital. Stakeholders believe that the Bronllys area The report has been prepared to support would be suitable for continued healthcare the Candidate Site submission to the This method of enquiry also supports use, where existing health services on site Local Authority, seeking recognition of the national policy requirement for can be more efficiently accommodated the development potential of the Bronllys collaboration. The EbD approach is through rationalization and relocation

6 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site 2.0 Methodology

Figure 4 - The four elements of Community Capital within the site and be integrated into a 2.1 Enquiry by Design process process leads to greater community well rounded diversified offer that would empowerment and leadership, essential comprise new health services not just from The EbD is a planning tool that brings elements of success and sustainability. the NHS. Administration and non medical together key stakeholders and the local services could be located elsewhere within community to collaborate on a vision Every community is endowed with the South Powys Locality. With the for a new or revived community, town different natural, financial, social and built addition of leisure and recreational uses, or region. This is developed through assets. These assets can be developed into this approach could stimulate economic workshops facilitated by The Prince’s lasting capital that provides benefits to the development and rural enterprise. To test Foundation, to assess a complex range of community now and in the future. These this proposition, in February 2011, a two design requirements for the development forms of capital are all interconnected and day Scoping Workshop was commissioned site or place, with every issue tested necessary for communities to function by the Welsh Health Estates, which was by being drawn. In these sessions, it and prosper in harmony. Each element facilitated by The Prince’s Foundation. uses technical experts in disciplines of community capital represents parts ranging from architecture to economics, of a whole. Achieving progress in some At the end of the Scoping Workshop, engineering, landscape and transport to areas without addressing the others, or stakeholders agreed that an EbD Workshop work alongside local experts including at the expense of the others, will be of was “essential” and should proceed in March neighbours, historians and naturalists. only limited value and could be counter 2011 to explore and test Scoping Workshop The participants share their respective productive to a successful and sustainable findings, the key issues and actions, and expertise and, in the process of learning community. Using a holistic approach to support a potential submission of the from one another, inform the design. to build community capital sets the Bronllys Hospital site as a candidate site foundation for a community that not only in the LDP. These issues and actions were 2.2 Community Capital invests responsibly in their local assets, concerned with the future uses of the but does so in a sustainable way, thus hospital site, and its role in strengthening The Prince’s Foundation believes that providing the base for a vibrant and lasting its wider context in terms of social, natural, effective and continuous community environment. financial and built capital. engagement and co-design in the planning

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 7 3.0 Results and findings

Figure 5 - Many of the hospital buildings are structurally obsolete and in need of repair

3.1 An opportunity to meet registered historic park and garden linked to existing ‘wellbeing’ activities and policy context objectives • Transport and movement (emphasis businesses within its wider region. on promoting walking and cycling, The vision-based scenarios and supporting streets as social spaces) Local residents also stated the need for strategies developed through the EbD proposals to be financially viable and and contained in this report provide an 3.2 Local and wider community phased, so that existing health services opportunity to support key planning were available throughout any enabling policy objectives across the range of requirements and aspirations and construction period to ensure full national, regional and local levels, and delivery of the vision. Local residents at the EbD stated the impacts with particular emphasis on the following upon local people’s access to local health areas: and community facilities (in particular not 3.3 NHS policy objectives • Community engagement (regarding loosing health services currently located preparation of LDPs) nationally and locally on the site), local employment provision, • Creating sustainable places/ affordable housing and Bronllys and placemaking Talgarth’s vibrancy, success and sense of The Hay, Talgarth and Brecon area is • Housing (including affordable place, should be considered in any future currently served by two small community housing) hospital site proposals. hospitals in Brecon and Bronllys that serve a • Resilient and diverse local small population, with acute health services economies (including tourism and Residents aspired to the idea of Bronllys being provided in the major hospitals in possibly agriculture or rural-related forming part of a wider national and Hereford and Abergavenny. The tHB has employment) regional offer and vision, if this vision recently completed an engagement exercise • Resource efficiency/brownfield helped to strengthen the local offer of to plan the future pattern of services for this regeneration services, employment and sense of place. area of Powys, and has made a commitment • Heritage conservation (in terms of They welcomed the idea of Bronllys forming to expand current local service provision the opportunity to provide a viable a health nucleus anchored by a nationally in respect of day surgery, outpatients and future regarding the listed buildings significant Institute of Life Sciences, which community services. This is articulated in on the site) while paying regard to the

8 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site The 20th century saw a profound change to the land south of the Mansion House. The construction of the hospital introduced an entirely new, terraced landform with the attendant buildings, still in existence today. Ornamental planting between and around the hospital buildings is concentrated on the central area of the site near the Nurses Home and the Chapel. On the northern slopes, just below the Mansion House some over-mature orchard plantations remain.

Three distinct landscape types are evident on or adjacent to the site : • Agricultural - the parent landscape of the Wye Valley • Ornamental - the parkland remnants • Institutional - the hospital terraces and gardens

3.5 The Site’s built heritage Designations There are two Grade II listed buildings, the Basil Webb Hall and the Chapel. The whole area lies within the Middle Wye Valley Landscape of Historic Interest. Figure 6 - The Basil Webb Hall These designations would form a key part of any consideration by Powys County its public document ‘New Directions’. It is farming, resulting in a distinctive field Council or Cadw of future planning clear from this work that the scale of the pattern of hedges and pasture interspersed applications. Bronllys site is considerably beyond what with enclosed woodland containing both will realistically be required for future NHS broadleaved and coniferous plantations. Significance purposes, and that maintenance of the site Bronllys Hospital is an important surviving is an unsustainable financial drain on NHS The site is included by Cadw in the Register example of a purpose-built tuberculosis services. The tHB is also clear that in order of Historic Parks and Gardens and by the hospital. It was designed by Edwin and for sustainability of local services to be Countryside Council for Wales in the Stanley Hall, architects of , well- maintained it will need to bring together Mid Wye Valley Landscape of Historic known for building hospitals throughout care services across health and social care Interest. the UK. The skeletal layout of the original into single facilities (ie integrated care design is still clearly legible despite later homes) and there are a number of options The construction of the Mansion House to alterations and whilst only two of the for the location of these including the the north of the site was accompanied by buildings have been individually listed Bronllys site. This necessarily requires the creation of a series of formal terraced there is a strong group value throughout the partnering arrangements with both Powys lawns, plantations, orchards and walled site. There is also a clear interrelationship County Council and providers of housing gardens. Most of these are now either between the structures and a strong in the independent sector to bring this derelict or absent. A small area of terraced harmony in their scale and materials. about. lawn remains in front of the mansion The spaces between the buildings and house, while a largely concealed ha-ha the connecting walkways are part of that 3.4 The site’s landscape setting beyond these is also in a derelict state. historic character and the views into, out of, and through the parkland are of strong The valley landscape between Brecon and Elements of the parkland which remain significance. Hay on Wye is typical of this part of Powys. include plantations to the western and A broad, undulating valley bottom rises southern edges of the site and some open Full landscape and heritage reports can be with progressively steeper slopes to hilltop pasture to the south west. found in the appendices of this report. heathland north and south. The predominant land use is livestock

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 9 4.0 The Proposed Outcomes...... a sustainable and viable future

4.1 A vision of national and regional significance

The development of a vision for a new generation for health care provision at the site continues and evolves a 100-year heritage for Bronllys and Talgarth and builds upon the site’s strategic assets (refer to the Leisure and Tourism Briefing in the Appendices).

The vision itself is illustrated in Figure 7, where Bronllys and Talgarth form a nucleus of health care provision of national, regional and local importance, which is supported and supports an existing regional wellbeing offer.

The nucleus is given national significance by establishing on the Bronllys Hospital site a national Institute of Life Sciences, an anchor from which existing and proposed new health facilities and services could be supported and enhanced. The nucleus within the national context is illustrated in Figure 8, where links at a national scale between the nucleus and key institutions such as the University of ’s medical school, tourist areas, and transport hubs are illustrated.

Figure 9 illustrates the nucleus within a regional context, surrounded by a rich offer of wellbeing commercial and leisure activities.

The vision works on the basis of attracting Figure 7 - The health ‘nucleus’ supported by a regional wellbeing offer visitors to the health nucleus for various services and facilities and retaining them within the region for long stays, through Community; in “One Wales: One Planet” – the new the wellbeing activities. Opportunity; national sustainable development strategy People; for Wales. The new vision will enable the ongoing Environment. retention of a skill set and associated Strategically located at the south eastern specialist expertise that exists in the Importantly, this is a vision that can gateway to mid Wales, the Bronllys / area. It will also provide the platform for physically and economically unify the two Talgarth regeneration programme has strengthening Bronllys and Talgarth’s communities of Talgarth and Bronllys. It the potential to have a transformational economy. It can be the catalyst to develop will also further strengthen the regeneration impact upon mid Wales and especially and position this as a destination with opportunities, of the Hay-Brecon-Talgarth the historic spa towns of the Region strong appeal as a place to live, work and / Bronllys ‘triangle’. (, , visit. Wells, ). These There is a real opportunity to develop a towns represent a major opportunity for This vision is squarely in line with national complex that redefines the concept of health economic development and the re-imaging and regional strategies especially for and well-being in an holistic manner. An of mid Wales on the basis of well-being and sustainable development and builds upon approach that puts the Bronllys site at the health tourism. the ‘COPE’ concept of: heart of the ‘brave new Wales’ as envisaged

10 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site 4.0 The Proposed Outcomes...... a sustainable and viable future

Figure 8 - The Bronllys /Talgarth nucleus forming an important national component within Wales

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 11 The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 9 - The Bronllys /Talgarth health nucleus strengthening, and being strengthened by, the regional wellbeing icons, drivers and contributors

12 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site The Proposed Outcomes

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 13 The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 10 - A diagram of the Bronllys /Talgarth nucleus’s physical structure

At the more local level the strategic vision The nucleus is formed physically by The nucleus would be strengthened also by for Bronllys Hospital should provide the improving the routes and spaces between proposing additional accommodation in spark to ignite renewed interest in securing Bronllys Hospital site, Bronllys and Talgarth, for the purpose of supporting its a productive future for the former Mid Talgarth to become pedestrian and cyclist local facilities and businesses in Talgarth’s Wales Hospital site in Talgarth. If the oriented. centre, improving its viability, vibrancy Bronllys and Talgarth Hospital sites secure and attractiveness. complementary uses then a powerful and A cycle path would be introduced onto sustainable destination strategy can be the A479. The roundabout, to the north 4.3 A vision that benefits local developed for this part of south Powys. of the A479 would be transformed into a public square to serve as the heart of this people and visitors In order to secure the successful strategic nucleus. This would become the front door This vision establishes a project of strategic development of the Bronllys / Talgarth to the Bronllys Hospital site, linking it to significance that provides the platform destination and the delivery of the concept Bronllys and Talgarth. The square’s design for numerous opportunities for local for the Bronllys Hospital site a new form would enable local traffic to progress east businesses and local community activity of destination development organisation is onto Bronllys High Street, whilst HGVs engagement. required. This is outlined in Section 4.7 of would continue south down the A479 this report. and the A438. This passing trade through The scope of these opportunities was Bronllys could help to support local 4.2 The Bronllys/Talgarth identified at the EBD workshop and facilities and businesses, which would includes the potential for enterprise nucleus strengthen Bronllys’s public realm, local beyond direct employment: residents access to daily needs and local • Tourism and leisure enterprises (from employment. Figure 10 illustrates the physical structure hotels, B&Bs, to activity providers to of the Bronllys/Talgarth nucleus concept. tourist attractions);

14 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 11 - The programme forming the vision

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 15 The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 12 - An outline structure plan for Bronllys Hospital site, Bronllys and Talgarth

• Community businesses (such as the 4.4 Site constraints and design site. Buildings for ‘public’ use such local micro brewery, the restored flour as the refectory, the Chapel and the mill, Post Office); generators Basil Webb Hall are more iconic in • Community cultural groups; nature, whilst most wards and other The site offers a unique set of constraints • Suppliers of local produce and services utilitarian type buildings are more and design generators, which informed the (plumbers to taxi drivers to market reserved in their character scenarios illustrated in Section 4.6. These gardens); include: • Dual-use community facilities on the The proposed scenarios respond to these site (such as sports, social, health, points as follows: • A landscape setting comprising fitness provision). plantations with defined edges, a • Modest scaled houses are placed Mansion House and parkland setting, Developing the local supply chains and sensitively on the woodland’s edges as and a hospital complex and its developing the multiplier effect of the objects within this setting. Proposed gardens activities at Bronllys Hospital will have new woodlands are located to the • A south facing site fronting immense a triple bottom line impact on the local east of the hospital buildings and views of the Black Mountains economy: subsequently frame them • Minimalist period hospital buildings • More income / new money in the • Value is created by positioning set upon a geometric grid that ‘system’; proposed buildings such as the coincides with the sloping contours • Less leakage / more retention of bungalows to face the views • Views that reach most of the spending; • Buildings are positioned on the buildings as a result of their massing • More secondary and indirect job hospital’s existing geometric footprint, and positioning to each other; the creation. and in locations that do not interrupt buildings fall with the site’s slope and the key views, although many of the wide courtyard spaces originally were proposed buildings will have wider located between them, in which fruit floor plans than their predecessors to trees were planted provide flexibility to accommodate • A hierarchy of building functions changing uses over time reflected within their form and • Courtyard spaces are located between character, and positions upon the

16 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 13 - Diagram of existing key site constraints and design generators

the buildings and are used as semi Scenario 4 and 5 will create the most value private spaces that integrate functions for the local community as it builds a located within several buildings, such vision for the wider context, and ensures as the care home and mental health the project’s financial feasibility, delivery centre, and these may be enclosed and implementation by including a quota with level walls of new accommodation that will produce • Food growing to be encouraged within enabling funds. This proposal will also the courtyard spaces produce the highest land values as a result • The proposed buildings’ character of its sustainable vision and urbanism. will reflect the existing character, and will be more reserved than the ‘iconic’ Scenario 4 proposals are located on the buildings (such as the refectory), land currently owned by the tHB, and which remain on site and would Scenario 5 includes proposals located on front the proposed key east west link land owned by others, which forms the through the complex (see Movement sustainable framework for new growth and Transport Strategy) within the wider context.

4.5 Scenarios that could form Scenarios 1 and 2 are fallback options, which are not favoured by either the client the vision or the community. Scenario 1 does not include local health services for the local Five scenarios were produced in community and Scenario 2 includes only the workshop based upon differing the minimum that currently exists on site. landscape, financial and health service Neither Scenario 1 nor 2 would create new constraints. These scenarios are described jobs for the local community, would not on the following pages in line with the strengthen the local economy and would varying degrees of these key issues and not create a refreshed sense of identity Figure 14 - Diagram of proposed design constraints. within Bronllys and Talgarth. concept shaped by key constraints

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 17 The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 15 - The proposed buildings’ character will reflect that of the existing buildings, and will be more reserved than the ‘iconic’ buildings

18 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 16 - The rehabilitation patients who served with the military would benefit from the proposed spaces that take advantage of the views, relationship to the countryside and fresh air

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 19 The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 17 - Scenario 1 Scenario 1 • tHB retains ownership of the site • tHB incur a management liability on approximately 100% of the 74 acre site • The Grade II listed buildings remain on site • The hospital buildings are demolished as no finance is available to maintain their upkeep and conversion

20 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 18 - Scenario 2 Scenario 2 • tHB retains ownership of the site which the tHB can financially support • tHB incurs a management liability on the upkeep of these buildings) until approximately 75% of the 74 acre site alternatives are secured • The Grade II listed buildings remain • The hospital buildings are demolished on site as this proposal provides no financial • The buildings currently housing solution for maintaining their upkeep health services remain on site to or conversion. continue to provide accommodation for these services (for a period during

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 21 The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 19 - Scenario 3 Scenario 3 • tHB leases the site to new tenants • The primary street within the complex providing services is activated by the ‘iconic’ buildings, • The Grade II listed buildings remain the refectory, the sanatorium building on site and the library • New flexibly designed buildings are • Financial viability must be attained proposed to sit on the existing hospital through a model that depends solely complex grid layout, where buildings on income generated by new tenants. face the view and south facing aspect, Failing this, Scenarios 1 and 2 become and acknowledge the site’s slope the default proposal

22 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 20 - Scenario 4 Scenario 4 • Not for profit company acquire the and acknowledge the site’s slope buildings located on the hospital site in conjunction with new tenants • The primary street within the complex complex grid layout, and a financially providing services is activated by the ‘iconic’ buildings, viable proposal. Residential new • The grade two listed buildings remain the refectory, the sanatorium building build accommodation would only be on site and the library considered under the emerging LDP • New flexibly designed buildings are • New build accommodation is located • A hospital ‘entrance’ is proposed, proposed to sit on the existing hospital on strategic areas of land owned where the existing lodge is mirrored complex grid layout, where buildings by the tHB, which provides funds by a new lodge. face the view and south facing aspect, to enable the construction of new

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 23 The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 21 - Scenario 5 Scenario 5 • As per Scenario 4 but provides a accommodation located on other structural framework in which landowners’ sites. Scenario 4 can contribute to strengthening Bronllys, Talgarth and the wider context. This includes the proposal of a new public square that knits together Bronllys and the Bronllys hospital site, provides an ‘entrance’ into the hospital, and new

24 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site The Proposed Outcomes

4.6 Key strategies for Scenarios 4 and 5 Section 4.6 illustrates Scenarios 4 and 5 key strategies. They are landuse, movement and connectivity and masing.

Figure 22 - Landscape strategy Landscape Strategy • Three scenarios exist for the landscape shaped and focussed on the mansion strategy: house. Rehabilitation would 1. Do nothing concentrate on restoring the ha-ha, 2. Fix what is broken - this particularly removing the rhododendrons and applies to tree management restoring the view 3. Create a grand gesture, such as • New development would occupy restoring the lake in the south west the teardrop shape and nestle in the corner of the site landscape, rather than dominating it • The existing landscape is teardrop

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 25 The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 23 - Movement and Connectivity Movement and Connectivity • The roundabout would be designed Strategy to become a square, where traffic flow would continue unimpeded through a • The east-west street immediately to A479 between Bronllys and Talgarth new urban context the south of the refectory building • The previously existing eastbound would become the main east west axis footpath to the caravan site would for the entire site be reinstated to link with Bronllys • The primary north / west link would village be the pedestrian spine, covered only • Improvements would be made to by its roof pedestrian and cycle routes on the

26 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 24 - Massing Diagram Massing Diagram and site have a single bay’s width or a double sections bay’s width along a corridor. This would provide a variety of accommodation • New buildings on the existing hospital to suit a multitude of needs currently footprint would be one storey high to and in the future allow views over their roofs • The site sections in Figure 25 also illustrate the massing through the site • New buildings would be designed to

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 27 The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 25 - Site sections illustrating massing

28 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site The Proposed Outcomes

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 29 The Proposed Outcomes

4.7 Key views of existing and proposed spaces

Section 4.7 illustrates photos of key views as they currently exist, coupled with an artist’s impression on the adjacent page of how they would look in line with the Masterplan proposals.

Figure 26 -Existing roundabout on the A438

Figure 28 - Existing view entering the site

30 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 27 -Proposed transformation of the roundabout into a public square

Figure 29 - Proposed view entering the site

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 31 The Proposed Outcomes

4.7 Key views of existing and proposed spaces (continued)

Figure 30 -Existing view of nursing home

Figure 31 - Existing view of the woodland edge fronting the site

32 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 32 -Proposed view of nursing home

Figure 33 - Proposed view of the woodland edge fronting the site

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 33 The Proposed Outcomes

4.7 Key views of existing and proposed spaces (continued)

Figure 34 -Existing entrance to hospital

34 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 35 -Proposed entrance to hospital

4.8 Implementation Implementation The implementation strategy for Scenario 1 strategies would be to find a buyer for the site, followed Implementation will vary for each scenario by relocating all existing health services Planning due to aforementioned constraints. and administrative activities currently on Implementation strategies for each of the the site. It is likely that demolition of the Powys CC and the local planning scenarios have been outlined as follows. existing hospital buildings apart from the and development team indicated that Grade 2 listed buildings, the chapel and they would be supportive of promptly Scenarios 1 and 2 the Basil Webb building would commence implementing a site proposal that evolves either by the new site owner or the tHB. and is focused upon healthcare uses, These scenarios assume that constraints The new owner would be responsible for community facilities and affordable forbid accommodation that would have the site’s maintenance. housing. This includes the re-use of key enabled a financially viable mixed use existing buildings for alternative uses development. Scenario 1 benefits under current planning policy. • Grade 2 buildings remain • Parkland setting remains unchanged

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 35 The Proposed Outcomes

Scenario 1 weaknesses • Landscape and built conservation as the heart of both Bronllys and the • The scenario puts the tHB in a position • The current depression of the UK land hospital site, and encourages local where financially it is unable to and residential sales market traffic to move through Bronllys High maintain the health services currently • The unlikeliness of building consent Street, whilst enabling HGV vehicles located on site for development to occur prior to to pass through the square and • Local residents lose current health an adoption of the site for strategic continue southwards. facilities located on the site development under the LDP • Development within a five minute’s • The hospital’s built heritage which walk to Talgarth’s town centre underpins much of Bronllys’s identity Scenario 3 benefits is proposed, which will increase and character would be demolished • Some of the existing health services Talgarth’s density and help to support on site remain its local shops and facilities. The implementation strategy for Scenario • Grade 2 buildings remain 2 would be to find a buyer for the whole • New flexible and sustainable buildings Scenario 5 weaknesses site or the parts of the site which currently are introduced onto the existing • Cadw indicated its opposition to a do not accommodate health services, hospital grid layout proposal that introduces new buildings whilst the current health facilities and • Parkland setting remains unchanged into the parkland, which would form the buildings remain open to the public, part of the public square which would continue to be run by the Scenario 3 weaknesses • The unlikeliness of building consent tHB. Buildings that do not accommodate • This scenario is dependent upon for development to occur prior to current health services, apart from the tHB finding monies beyond an adoption of the site for strategic the Grade 2 listed buildings, would be the project’s remit to fund the new development under the LDP subsequently demolished. buildings • The current depression of the UK land and residential sales market may affect Scenario 2 benefits Scenario 4 benefits sales if it continues • Some existing health services on site • Existing health services on site remain remain Scenario 3, 4 and 5 would comprise a mix of • Grade 2 buildings remain • Grade 2 buildings remain housing types and tenures. Currently, the • Buildings accommodating health • New flexible and sustainable buildings highest, and only significant, development services remain are introduced onto the existing land values in South Powys are for open • Parkland setting remains unchanged hospital grid layout market residential development. The • New build accommodation is LDP for the Brecon / Talgarth / Hay area Scenario 2 weaknesses sensitively located on tHB owned stipulates a housing demand for 767 homes. • The scenario puts the tHB in a position land, which can provide funding This includes a 36-50% affordable housing where financially it is unable to for enabling works and subsequent quota to meet local need. The 767 total can maintain the health services currently works be divided as follows: located on site • Parkland setting is enhanced by • Buildings do not meet long term placing beautiful buildings within the • 384 open market homes functional requirements landscape • 207 intermediate tenure (shared • The hospital’s built heritage which ownership etc) underpins much of Bronllys’s identity Scenario 4 weaknesses • 176 socially rented and character would be demolished • Cadw is opposed to a proposal that introduces new buildings into the Expert advice attained during the EBD Scenarios 3, 4 and 5 parkland workshop suggested that the Bronllys • The unlikeliness of building consent Hospital site should provide 100 homes, The implementation strategies for for development to occur prior to built at a rate of 20 per year in ‘normal’ Scenarios 3 and 4 would be for the tHB an adoption of the site for strategic market conditions. This figure includes to lease their land to service operators development under the LDP 30-35% of affordable units. and commence a phasing process, which • The current depression of the UK land includes relocation of services within the and residential sales market may affect site, demolition, and the addition of new sales if it continues services and accommodation. Figures 36-41 provide the phase stages. Scenario 5 benefits • All points as per Scenario 4 Implementation for Scenarios 3, 4 and 5 • The long term growth strategy, of which include residential development which Scenario 4 is a part, strengthens within their proposal could be affected by Bronllys and Talgarth by improving the following constraints: the character of the Brechen Road, introducing a public square that acts

36 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 36 - Phase 1 (of Scenario 4 and 5) Phase 1 (of Scenario 4 and 5) • Demolition of buildings outlined with Basil Webb Hall, which is then red hatching - workshops, ambulance rehabilitated station, I.T. Department, P Block, • Courtyard refurbished for work units 1950s bungalow, Hillview, • Hafren Ward refurbished to House, Monnow Ward and accommodate decantees from Ward Monnow Ward and academics • Removal of southern portion of • Introduce phase of Life Sciences offices covered walkway into the existing ‘iconic’ buildings • Office retrofitting removed from

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 37 The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 37 - Phase 2 (of Scenario 4 and 5) Phase 2(of Scenario 4 and 5) • Demolition of AMI/Felinde (mental The bungalows shall be designed to • Construction of new offices, training health unit), Llewellyn Ward, Day reflect the architectural character of centre and media room Hospital, concert hall and remainder the existing bungalows • Construction of a new mental health of spine building • Construction of a new mental health centre • Construction of six bungalows, centre five of which will be used as private • Construction of a 60 bed care home residences and one which will be used (to include a gym during this phase) to accommodate pain management • Construction of a hotel and conference or military rehabilitation patients. centre

38 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 38 - Phase 3 (of Scenario 4 and 5) Phase 3 (of Scenario 4 and 5) • Demolition of Outpatients Ward and eastern half of the dining hall • Construction of clinical suites (outpatients), thermal spa and hydrotherapy unit, gym, sports/fitness injury unit and treatment rooms • Construction of Life Sciences wing • Pain Management Centre refurbished

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 39 The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 39 - Phase 4 (of Scenario 4 and 5) Phase 4 (of Scenario 4 and 5) • Construction of residential units to the east and west of the Pain Management Centre • Construction of additional Life Sciences wing

40 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 40 - Phase 5 (of Scenario 4 and 5) Phase 5 • Construction to transform the existing roundabout surface into a square, fronted by new accommodation on its western edge • Construction of accommodation upon the southern woodland edge • Construction of accommodation along western ridge line • Continued management of landscape

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 41 The Proposed Outcomes

Figure 41 - Phase 6 (of Scenario 4 and 5) Phase 6 (of Scenario 4 and 5) Figure 42 (opposite page) - Diagram of the • Construction of development on Delivery Model the remaining three sides of the new square (the south may remain unbuilt to allow views into the square) • Construction of development on areas of land illustrated, which are owned by others

42 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site The Proposed Outcomes

4.9 Delivery strategy and fora (topic and area focused) to bring representation from the on-site tenants. model together all interested parties. A Board of representatives from the The Prince’s Foundation recommends The recommended organisation would following organisations would be an organisational structure that is based be a not-for-profit company limited by assembled. upon successful business models that exist guarantee with a Board of Directors and • Independent Chair; in many rural destinations in Europe and an independent chair. The Company • Powys tHB; North America. This structure can be used would be the owners of the land (leasehold • Local community: for developing the concept and taking this or freehold) and would have a wholly- • Welsh Assembly Government; project forward. It is based upon creating owned operational company to (i) deliver • Tenants; an organisation that: core services and activities to a series of • Local authority. • addresses the development aspirations tenants (who will pay an appropriate rent of the destination as a whole; and for their use of land and buildings) and There would be a small-scale Executive • is structured and populated by the (ii) undertake commercial activities as Team working directly to a Management expertise and skills needed to deliver required. The details of the organisation’s Committee of the main Board responsible a strategic vision as proposed for structure would need to be agreed between for day-to-day running of the site. Bronllys Welsh Assembly Government and tHB. Local community tenant and specialist The international model of destination The Board of the Development Company interest in the project will be nurtured development as shown in Figure 42 would be advised by a specially constituted through the establishment of topic or also ensures an inclusive approach by ‘Strategic Advisory Panel’, as well as by theme based action groups that represent establishing community and local business (i) an annual community forum and (ii) the site’s core activities / interests.

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 43 5.0 Conclusions and Recommendations

Figure 43 - Looking through to the future

Powys tHB believes that there are exciting Stakeholders, The Prince’s Foundation and commercially viable. Such development opportunities to deliver a sustainable the Client recommend that the vision in will also provide an increased population vision for the regeneration of the Bronllys the form of Scenarios 4 and 5 and their within the village to use facilities as well as Hospital site and its wider context. This supporting strategies are submitted as a help retain expenditure within the village would be based on a nationally and representation in the forthcoming LDP. The from the existing community which is regionally important centre for health; a new LDP seeks to identify opportunities currently spent elsewhere. nucleus comprising the Bronllys Hospital for the generation going forward and to site, Bronllys and Talgarth. this end the scenarios and supporting Whilst there will undoubtedly be other strategies developed in co-ordination with sites and locations put forward, the robust This centre for health would be strengthened the community present a key planning case and comprehensive engagement process by, and strengthen, the regional offer of for the resilient evolution of Bronllys and ensures that the scenarios and strategies wellbeing activities within its vicinity, its neighbouring communities. are aspirational, grounded in commercial which would create a powerful long stay realities and yet, ultimately deliverable. visitor magnet. For local residents, this Whilst certain improvements such as new synergy would provide a rich range of community facilities, shops and leisure health facilities, daily needs, a refreshed facilities are desirable, these are likely to local sense of place, new jobs and a boost have to be delivered in conjunction with to the local economy. additional housing in order to make them

44 A Vision for Bronllys Hospital Site Figure 44 - A vision of health; restored views to the landscape

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 45 The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment seeks to improve the quality of people’s lives by helping to build and improve communities that are beautiful, long lasting and healthy for people and the planet.

We believe that if we can understand and apply time- tested principles, building once more in a sustainable way, we will reap improvements in public health, in livelier and safer streets and in a more affordable lifestyle for families and individuals. The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment believes that building in a sustainable way will reap benefits for communities and result in neighbourhoods that accrue higher value over time.

E [email protected] T +44 (0) 20 7613 8500

The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment 19–22 Charlotte Road London EC2A 3SG, E [email protected] The Prince’s Foundation. President: HRH The Prince of Wales. T +44 (0) 20 7613 8500 A Company Limited by Guarantee, Number 3579567. Registered F +44 (0) 20 7613 8599 in England and Wales at 22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG. www.princes-foundation.org Registered Charity Number 1069969. VAT Number 839 8984 44