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A wonderful reality, that really shows the kind of thinking that so much of our planning in this country lacks. Although I must say I'm hard pushed to think of a hospital that utilises such a lump of a plan, but I'm pretty sure this is what so many desire. The kind of spans given in these warehouse structures allow for the flexibility that institutional buildings like hospitals require, although I would say light in such a deep plan would be scarce, especially with intermediate floors, which is why contemporary hospitals land up with the rabbit warren sprawls we see at the Harvey and Conquest.
I think it's a really exciting, good idea; although so many would argue that Hospital design is a relatively specialised discipline and not one that could be achieved effectively using a Cedric Price type 'plug-in' approach. This is not to say that I would agree with these ideas. I'm obviously more than up for this kind of innovation for Dover and as you rightly say, such a development would be of benefit to the community, socially and economically. The same cannot be said for B&Q (or Asda for that fact) that are more a descriptor of current demographic rather that an unpinning fulcrum of future development. A hospital would be something that created jobs and prospects with an idea of longevity, rather than just a big overpriced shop that just facilitates the latest fad of popular society, from stupid ground-force decking solutions to pointless patio heaters (We do not live in Spain therefore if it's cold in the garden go inside, or put on a Jumper!)
A slight tangent there, needless to say I think it's a good idea. B&Q handing over the space as an act of philanthropy though may be a bit of a stretch and suggesting that hospital needs are robust enough to be satisfied by a multiuse space may be a point of contention.
