South Ockendon Hospital (EHER 15658)

Psychiatric hospital opened in 1932. South Ockendon was an example of the 1930's hospitals whose design attempted to break down the institutional nature of the echelon-plan.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import. The Borough Council for West Ham and Poplar opened a colony for 538 mental defectives adjacent to Little Holland’s Farm, South Ockendon, in 1932. The design of the site displayed a conscious departure from the echelon-plan, in an attempt to break away from the institutional nature of large psychiatric hospitals, such as Claybury (Woodford) and Severalls (Colchester). Most of the hospital site has been re-developed and only a small collection of buildings, surrounded by modern housing survive. These include a dining/assembly hall, presently used as a community hall, with to the north, kitchen blocks and other utilitarian ranges. The hall was opened on the 28th October 1937 and built to plans prepared by H.E. Box. It is a large 11 bay predominantly single-storey building built of red stock bricks in English bond with a gablet and hipped pan-tile roof. The full height projection to the south has a foundation stone at its base and an Art Deco style brick panel above window level. Flanking this projection are two male/female entrances with semi-circular arched heads of two recessed orders. Large round-headed metal casement windows with rough brick heads flanked by stylised brick pillars are built into the long walls. A three-bay projection with flat roofed bays and shaped parapets extends from the western wall. To the north of the hall, and connected by a brick-built corridor are two single-storey ranges, formerly used as kitchens and food preparation areas. Built in the same style and materials as the hall, the eastern most range has two raised roof lights while its adjacent range has a large raised ventilation ridge running the length of the roof. To the rear is a small hipped roofed office with a large bay window looking west; a range of outbuildings extend to the north. <1><2> Site Assessment: Although most of the buildings have been demolished the dining/assembly hall probably retains important information on gender segregation together with the spatial preparation and delivery of food. The building may also retain an ornate interior and an internal inspection should be undertaken at the earliest opportunity. <1> Site Importance: Although the building is an important surviving example with modernist detailing, the loss of all the associated structures reduces its significance. The remaining four psychiatric hospitals identified during the survey are of greater interest and South Ockendon is of local importance only. <1> Site Management: Currently (1999) in use and well maintained, the building warrants retention as a locally important structure. An internal assessment should be undertaken in advance of any future scheme with the preservation of important features; detailed recording comprising written description, measured survey and photography should be undertaken in advance of major works. <1> Additional reference <2> <3> OS map shows the building is now used as a Community Club.