Pharmacy Design and Fit-Out
RDC Create Flagship Store for M & D Green Dispensing Chemists at the Antonine Centre, Cumbernauld
Background
Since opening its first branch in 1996, M & D Green Dispensing Chemists has grown to be one of the biggest independent community pharmacy operators in Scotland. Spearheaded by Martin Green, the company is renowned for providing first-class pharmacy services and has engaged Retail Design Consultants to provide full turnkey pharmacy fit-out across many of their branches over the last several years.
As part of a recent expansion, Martin Green acquired the T McLean group of pharmacies, all of which have been redesigned by Retail Design Consultants to align with the M & D Green brand image. The most recent fit-out was for the new flagship M & D Green Pharmacy at the Antonine Centre in Cumbernauld, which has replaced T McLean in the old town centre.
Before starting on site, Retail Design Consultants undertook a feasibility study to determine what could be achieved with the new unit, which is four times the size of the old T McLean pharmacy. Collaborating closely with stakeholders, Retail Design Consultants prepared a design incorporating the desired wish list of a strong retail presence and a large, visible dispensary. The design also had to include the creation of a rear entrance and exit door, making it accessible to the public from the top of the path next to Central Health Centre, as well as access from the main thoroughfare of the shopping mall.
Once the design was agreed, Retail Design Consultants liaised with the architects, obtained the necessary building warrants and sought planning permission from both the local council and the shopping centre management.
On Site
Once on site, Retail Design Consultants managed all trades and works began with the supply of a full mechanical and electrical package.
Terry Cuthill of Retail Design Consultants, commented:
“There was a great deal of enabling and development work on this project to prepare the unit for a full turnkey fit-out. We have an established reputation for collaborating closely with all parties and expertly communicating what needs to be done and deadlines to be met to ensure that everything is in place for work to begin.”
Following the brief from Martin Green, Retail Design Consultants were tasked with creating a bespoke design solution for this flagship pharmacy. Using 3D visuals and architectural drawings, the company delivered a visually different and contemporary flagship pharmacy, incorporating the recognisable M & D Green branding.
The pharmacy boasts two consultation rooms, a DDA toilet, a staff toilet, staffroom and feature upholstered waiting areas. It also offers an enhanced retail offering with a separate gift/perfumery section and the white display cabinets with an avola grey wood grain effect are complemented by a stunning gloss ceramic tiled floor in the retail area. The suspended ceiling at the front was finished in black, and floating green rafts in the feature ceiling all work together to deliver a very modern and appealing community pharmacy.
Martin Green, Owner of M & D Green Dispensing Chemists, said:
“I knew from past experience that I could put my full trust in RDC to deliver this project. It was challenging and posed a number of problems which all had to be resolved before work could even begin on the fit-out.
“Their knowledge and vast experience in both the structural fabric of buildings and how they will adapt to the specialist area of pharmacy fit-out is invaluable. They took a lot of the stress out of the process and calmly and methodically dealt with every issue to deliver a pharmacy which I am extremely proud of and one which has been warmly received by staff and the community.”