The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has announced that it is undertaking a broad study of the use of its London headquarters with the aim of equipping it with better facilities for the future. The Society is working with its property advisers and specialist architects to audit space needs, draw up options and produce a feasibility study.
As part of a desire to make the building more user-friendly to members, the Society wants to improve its reception facilities. One idea being considered is a return to the building's original design, with the main entrance on Lambeth Road rather than Lambeth High Street. The current position of the front entrance and the design of the reception area were adopted only after planning permission had been refused for the option that had been preferred by the architect, the late David Hodges.
Another issue under consideration is improved access for disabled visitors. There is already a wheelchair-accessible side entrance and easy access by lift to the upper floors, but the only lift servicing the basement - where the assembly hall and parts of the library are situated - is in an awkward position for wheelchair use.
Other proposals include a radical reworking of the interior of the building to improve accommodation for the Society's 165 London-based staff and to optimise meeting facilities - both for the Society's Council and committees and for commercial hire.
As part of the study, the Society is also reassessing its security measures. Among other things, concern has been expressed about security implications related to the overnight accommodation provided for the President of the day. An option has been taken on investing in an apartment in an adjacent development, which, if taken up, would free useful space in the HQ building and reduce a security risk.
The Council hopes to be able to make a decision by the summer. The costs of the work will be met from the Society's capital reserves.