The timing couldn’t have been better: a mini heat wave heralded the opening of a new open-air courtyard offering staff the chance to enjoy some fresh air during work breaks - and a secure place to park their bikes.

The sun shone down from blue skies as chief executive Sir Robert Naylor (pictured below with Peter Burroughs) cut the ribbon to mark its official opening at 250 Euston Road.  “It’s beautiful, particularly on a lovely day like this,” he said.

The courtyard, furniture funded by UCLH Charity, includes attractive weather proof tables and chairs and secure storage racks for 60 bikes. The newly designated bike park in NHS blue has been jointly funded by Transport for London. Plants and parasols were provided by L’Express Coffee Company.

As well as promoting the Trust’s commitment to cutting carbon, it aims to encourage more staff to cycle to work. Staff wishing to use the bike racks should contact Sue Parker (please see below).

“It will add to our green credentials and will encourage our staff to get fit – certainly fitter than the English football team!” Sir Robert joked in reference to the recent world cup defeat.

The courtyard will be open to all Trust staff and can accommodate more than 150 people.

Peter Burroughs, enterprise director of UCLH Charity, said: “We are well known for funding big projects such as providing £7 million for research and £4 million for the education centre but we also believe it is worthwhile to fund smaller projects which get to the heart of staff well-being. We are delighted to contribute to this venture.”

Staff and tenants are now offered a vastly improved catering service in the nearby atrium at 250 Euston Road.  L’Express Coffee Company which provides a wide range of hot and cold food and drinks has attracted a very positive response since it opened in May.

The impressive upgrade follows months of hard work by the project team:  Tom Hughes, leased buildings manager; Peter Frederick, head of corporate finance; Andrew Simpson, senior partner for Dron and Wright; Brian McKenzie, procurement lead and Alys De Jabrun, clinical dietetic services manager. Trevor Payne, director of estates and facilities is the project sponsor.

The team, established last November, sent a questionnaire to all staff and tenants at 250 to seek suggestions for improvements.

For more information, please contact:- 

Andrew Simpson

Fun in the sun: the project team behind the new courtyard at Trust HQ.