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St Georges Hospital
ICU & Renal Unit
 

ARBORICULTIRE - ECOLOGY - LANDSCAPE 

Client 

NHS, Gardiner & Theobald, IHP

Location 

Tooting, London 

Status 

Planning approved & In construction 

TMA Environmental Consultants were appointed as a multidisciplinary team to design the landscape for both the new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the Renal Unit at St George’s Hospital in Tooting. Located within a live hospital environment, the sites sit alongside existing buildings and concurrent developments, including new clinical facilities, infrastructure upgrades and service routes. Careful coordination, phasing and technical integration were essential to ensure continuity of hospital operations while enhancing the campus setting.

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Project Overview

The ICU project transformed an existing car park adjacent to the main hospital building into a high-quality clinical environment with integrated external space. Despite spatial constraints and complex level changes, the design introduces seating beneath a generous building overhang, creating a sheltered outdoor space for staff and visitors to access fresh air and respite. Clear pedestrian connections and wayfinding strategies ensure seamless integration with the wider hospital masterplan.

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The Renal Unit, positioned at the primary entrance from Blackshaw Road, establishes a welcoming shared surface plaza that improves arrival experience, accessibility and connectivity. The design leverages existing topography to provide level access to both existing and proposed entrances, prioritising pedestrian movement while accommodating ambulance access, blue badge parking, staff parking and cycle storage.

Our Approach

Across both projects, a collaborative and BIM-led process minimised risk and reduced rework, delivering efficiencies in time and cost. Appointed from RIBA Stage 2 through to Stage 6 (completion of ICU due Spring 2026), TMA provided continuity from feasibility and planning through to detailed technical design and tender review.

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The landscape strategy prioritises accessibility, inclusivity and wellbeing. Seating areas integrated within planted zones create welcoming spaces for patients, staff and visitors. Oversized steps respond to site levels and provide informal gathering areas. A central courtyard garden within the Renal Unit offers a restorative setting for quiet reflection, social interaction and children’s play.

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Mature trees have been retained where possible, with new tree and shrub planting enhancing biodiversity and supporting pollinators. Biodiverse green roofs extend habitat provision while improving microclimate. Close collaboration with the hospital gardening team and ecologists ensured long-term maintenance planning, BREEAM Excellent credits and measurable Biodiversity Net Gain.

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Challenges 

Delivering the landscape within a live hospital environment required careful coordination and technical resolution. Significant level changes and connections to buildings constructed at different periods demanded integrated solutions to ensure compliant, step-free access and clear circulation. Maintaining uninterrupted hospital operations was critical, with emergency access routes carefully integrated into the design.

The projects also formed part of a wider programme of concurrent developments, requiring close multidisciplinary coordination and BIM-led collaboration to manage interfaces, reduce risk and ensure alignment with the evolving hospital masterplan.

Services Provided

RIBA Stage 2 to Stage 6

  • Landscape Design (ICU and Renal Unit)

  • RIBA Stages 2–6

  • IUU (completion Spring 2026)

  • Multidisciplinary coordination (Landscape, Ecology and Arboriculture)

  • BIM-compliant design and IFC data modelling

  • 3D visualisations and sectional drawings

  • Landscape Strategy for Pre-Application and Design & Access Statement

  • Soft Landscape Strategy and detailed planting plans

  • Technical detailing and Stage 4 technical design package

  • Tender review and construction support

  • Urban Greening Factor assessment

  • Biodiversity Net Gain assessment and delivery for ICU

  • CAVAT tree valuation

  • BREEAM Excellent ecology credits support

  • Client consultation with NHS Trust Estates Management and clinicians

  • Design Review Panel participation

  • Coordination with transport planners for access, parking and circulation

  • Collaboration with the hospital gardening team for long-term maintenance planning

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Build With Nature. Deliver With Confidence.

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