AS plans for an additional new health centre are unveiled on the Alton Community Hospital site, the challenge is on to design a fitting logo.

To be named Chawton Park Surgery, the centre will become the home of Drs Cubitt, Sword, White, Over and de Quincey who are to leave AltonÕs existing health centre in Anstey Road to make more room for the remaining practices.

Likened in design to the Millennium Dome, the plan has been described by Alton Town Council as ÒfuturisticÓ and ÒinnovativeÓ, encompassing clever use of land to provide wheelchair access. The only concern was over traffic movement to and from the site.

East Hampshire planners granted outline permission to the Cubitt practice in June last year for the construction of a new GP surgery, dental surgery and pharmacy on land adjacent to Alton Community Hospital.

In reaching their decision, members of East Hampshire District CouncilÕs north planning committee heard that a traffic impact assessment had shown that 150 vehicles per day would be expected to visit the surgery.

Based on this information the county surveyor had raised no objection to the plan provided that a suitable financial contribution be made towards off-site highway works identified as part of the adjoining housing scheme.

With regard to traffic movements associated with the pharmacy, officers considered it important to control the range of goods which could be sold, to ensure that no additional journeys to the pharmacy were generated.

The applicant was also asked to provide a Green Transport Plan, to be covered as a condition of planning.

In describing the plan now on the table, spokesman for the practice, Matt de Quincey told The Herald: ÒThis is an innovative, open-plan concept, which incorporates nine consulting rooms and a comprehensive treatment and minor surgery suite in an arc under glass.

ÒWe were anxious to avoid poky corridors and linear shapes, and instead pushed for a ÔdemocraticÕ open plan arranged around a double height waiting area.

ÒAll the patient areas will be on the ground floor, with admin and offices above.Ó

While negotiations are still ongoing, according to Dr de Quincy, the practice seems to have successfully made the case to the health authority that an attached pharmacy would not unduly prejudice High Street sales. The pharmacy would be part of the building, but with its own separate entrance.

As a site, Chawton Park Road is thought by the GPs to have strong pros and cons for development, being large and well located next to X-ray, physiotherapy and other services based at Alton Community Hospital. And it should well serve the housing planned for the rest of the site.

At the same time, however, the land is sloping, and the subject of contamination from its previous role as the boiler house for the old hospital.

ÒThis has been the greatest sticking point, with repeated lobbying, even to parliamentary level, to persuade the NHS Estates Agency to investigate and clear the site,Ó said Dr de Quincey who believes that, given planning approval, it could be some 18 months to two years before the new building is finally up and running.

In the meantime, to celebrate the naming of Chawton Park Surgery, the practice is announcing a logo design competition for the building.

A staff survey has indicated that receptionists would favour wearing a simple uniform. It is envisaged therefore that the logo should provide a distinguishing brand mark for Dr Cubitt and partners while indicating the style and location of the building.

ÒPatients may be glad to hear that the same survey revealed our self-perceived practice style as Ômodern and go-aheadÕ, but at the same time Ôhelpful, thoughtful, and serving the communityÕ,Ó added Dr de Quincey.

Apart from uniform, the logo may end up on everything from stationery and website to doormat and signs. In addition, the design should be simple enough to etch on glass.

ÒWe are very conscious of the exciting nature of the design for Chawton Park, but also of the particular nature of the site, with its stunning trees and industrial heritage as a railway siding and boiler house,Ó said Dr de Quincey.

The prizes for the winning design - as well as the judgement of posterity - will include your own design engraved as a trophy.

Matt de Quincey is keen to encourage artists of any age to Ôhave a goÕ.

ÒWe know that the architects, Studio 4 of Winchester, who are very excited by the design of the building, are keen to submit their own entry, so sharpen your pencils and get your thinking caps on!Ó

Entries should be sent, on A4 paper, not forgetting to enclose contact details, to Dr Matt de Quincey at Alton Health Centre, Anstey Road, Alton GU34 2QX.