While we recognise the need for the new Berwick Community Hospital, it does unfortunately harm beautiful views from various vantage points, especially from the historic Ramparts. The pod blocks on the roof are largely responsible as they are uncompromising, alien to Berwick's townscape, and protrude above the walls even from Parade. However, we believe a change in colour from the current beige could make a huge difference.
The architect's own plans show light-coloured pods. As we see from those pods that have not yet had their white wrapping removed, a light colour blends much more easily against the sky allowing one to enjoy the historic views. We hope the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust will agree and apply mitigation to the pods.
Please see our photographs of the pods below, in particular the recoloured visualisations.
Hospital pods in beige on the right, and in white shrouds on the left
Hospital pods over Cumberland Bastion
The original plan showing white pods
Hospital pods from Parade: existing beige colour
Hospital pods from Parade visualisation: light blue-grey against a deep blue sky
Hospital pods from Parade visualisation: light blue-grey against an overcast sky
Hospital pods from Brass Bastion: existing beige colour
Hospital pods from Brass Bastion visualisation: light blue-grey against an overcast sky
Hospital pods from Brass Bastion visualisation: light blue-grey against a blue sky