East London Forensic Centre
Through the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Framework we were awarded the contract to build a state-of-the-art forensic centre behind the coroner’s court. Now called the East London Forensic Centre, this was no ordinary modular building.
It was a complex project.
It was a replacement of an old Victorian mortuary building complex that had undergone numerous additions and modifications over time, making it ill-suited for modern needs. The council recognised the urgent need for improvement.
We were approached by Waltham Forest Council who had a need to improve their mortuary facilities, to serve a growing population. However, the project faced significant challenges due to the site's limitations, which included constrained space, limited access, proximity to a residential area, and the need to maintain operations at the nearby coroner's court. The facility served a large geographic area, and expanding its capacity was crucial to accommodate the increasing demand for its services.
Project Brief
Waltham Forest Council faced a pressing challenge: to modernize their outdated mortuary facilities while maintaining essential services. The existing Victorian-era building was ill-equipped to meet the growing demand for forensic services, creating a critical need for a state-of-the-art replacement.
The council sought a solution that would not only provide superior facilities but also minimize disruptions to ongoing operations. Faced with tight timelines and a demanding brief, they turned to Elite Systems for an innovative approach.
Key challenges:
By partnering with Elite Systems, Waltham Forest Council was able to overcome these challenges and deliver a transformative solution for their community.
- Outdated facilities: The existing mortuary was unable to meet modern standards for hygiene, safety, and efficiency.
- Limited capacity: The building struggled to accommodate the increasing demand for forensic services, leading to delays and inefficiencies.
- Operational constraints: The council needed to ensure that essential services continued uninterrupted throughout the construction process.
Images of the Old Mortuary
Our Approach
Elite Systems was selected to deliver a cutting-edge forensic centre adjacent to the coroner’s court. The project involved a hybrid construction approach, combining modular design with traditional elements, to meet specific requirements and integrate seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
Key Features:
- Modern facilities: The new centre boasts a range of modern amenities, including a morgue, post-mortem room, non-invasive CT scanner, offices, and a relatives/viewing room.
- Efficiency and sustainability: The building is energy-efficient, incorporating solar panels and a green roof.
- Sensitive design: The architecture was carefully chosen to blend with the existing coroner’s court, ensuring a harmonious appearance.
- Improved visitor experience: The centre features a welcoming reception area and a comfortable viewing room for bereaved families.
The New Forensic Centre
The Results
The East London Forensic Centre is a testament to the power of modular construction. It provides a state-of-the-art facility that meets the needs of the community and sets a new standard for forensic services.
Download the full case study here.