Longer Term Planning

Planning for long-term expansion
Toward the end of 1907, the Board of Trustees realised that instead of improving the Hospital by an addition here and there as required, it would be wiser to consider a comprehensive scheme of improvements, which could be undertaken by degrees. In early 1908, it was decided to invite offers of competitive designs. One of the specifications was that designs needed to include provision for a Children's Hospital. Also, designs should allow for development in stages but leading to an integrated hospital when complete.

Many plans were submitted, and eventually, the first prize went to architects Messrs Atkins and Bacon. Sadly, their winning designs are not available. However, readers of these pages may be interested to view one of the unsuccessful designs, submitted by architects Creighton and Mackay. Each of the 4 photographs below can be enlarged for detailed viewing.

The Children's Hospital wards as shown here, would have had a unique circular design. Note provision also for two smaller wards for cancer patients.

The design provides for new wards to be built on top of each of the 4 original wards, this upper level to be accessed by way of a curved stairway opposite the main entrance. There is provision for a chapel to the north of the main corridor.

All 4 photographs courtesy Archives New Zealand / Te Whare Tohu Tuhituhinga O Aotearoa

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