New Dorset MSCP in the context of hospital transformation.

Pragmatic, aesthetic, award-winning.

Dorchester, located in the picturesque county of Dorset, is a historic town in southwest England. The construction of the Dorset MSCP was commissioned to address the pressing issue of parking congestion at Dorset County Hospital. The car park’s combination of practical effectiveness and aesthetic appeal has been instrumental in improving accessibility for patients, visitors, and staff. The project has been recognized with the ‘Best New Hospital Car Park’ award at the 2023 British Parking Awards, underscoring its excellence in both functionality and design.

Fact sheet

Year

2023

Location

Dorchester

Country

United Kingdom

Number of parking spaces

654

E-charging station

12

Passive charging stations

54

Customer

Willmott Dixon

Awards

British Parking Award 2023, Best New Hospital Car Park

Services

Consulting, Design, Execution

Features

Award, Design, Mobility Hub, Sustainability

Project category

Hospital car park, Visitor car park

Design

Ample space and sustainable parking

The Dorset MSCP features six levels, plus a ground floor, offering a total of 654 parking spaces. Despite its considerable size, the structure was ingeniously designed to integrate with the hillside, resulting in a minimized visual impact. The main pedestrian access is located on level 1, with vehicle entry on level 0 and exit on level 1. Ten percent of the total parking area is equipped with both active and passive electric vehicle chargers, including 12 active bays and 54 passive bays that can be activated as needed. The rectangular layout, enhanced by the VCM system, ensures a user-friendly experience, facilitating stress-free parking for all. Access to the main stair core, featuring two lifts, is conveniently situated on level 1, directly facing the hospital. A secondary stair core with one lift provides pedestrian access from level 0. The building is outfitted with a fire alarm system, CCTV, and a parking management system, all tailored to meet the specific requirements of the client.

Outstanding façade design

Iconic local landscapes

The MSCP’s façade is composed of perforated powder-coated aluminium panels, adorned with iconic images of Dorset landscapes, selected by the local community. Climbing plants climb from the ground up the facades on linear nets and stainless steel cables, making this green wall not only visually appealing, but also easy to maintain and environmentally sustainable.

Concept

Functional and aesthetic.

The Dorset MSCP exemplifies the perfect blend of practicality and design excellence. Its award-winning architecture is a testament to the integration of modern technology, sustainability, and community engagement, setting a benchmark for future infrastructure projects.