East Worthing Pharmacy

Client Background

Our client had recently purchased a pharmacy in East Worthing and had been referred to Rapeed Design to get information about a refit. The client required a pharmacy shop fitting company to offer a comprehensive vision, design and build service.The pharmacy was previously a part of a large UK based pharmacy chain and was classed as 'not profitable' which prompted the sale.

Points of note

East Worthing Pharmacy had previously serviced many care homes in the area however due to increased competition many of these contacts were not renewed. The oddly laid out and not functional dispensary was obstructing growth. The premises had not had a full refit in at least 15 years. The layout of the pharmacy was prohibitive to offer services for the local community's needs.

With clear business aims to grow the care home prescriptions servicing, the design had to take the dispensary flow, function and storage into consideration. The brief for the overall pharmacy design in addition to this was to increase visibility on the parade and to create a pleasant and original look and feel for East Worthing Pharmacy.

In order to attract and keep the care homes prescriptions, the client insisted on extra deep large worktops and maximise every inch of available space. Four internal walls were removed to make space for an open plan dispensary. Having had experience in internal building and extension works, Rapeed Design was able to assist the client by working directly with the landlord and local authority to ensure a smooth delivery. All aspects related to building regulations and landlord approvals were fully met.

The thinking for the design was to 'bring the outside in' and combine this with a fresh and clinical theme. After several consultations the design team concluded that nature, health and well being were central to creating a unique pharmacy, as the client had specified.

A consultation room was fitted along with bespoke pharmacy shelving to maintain a basic level of retail lines and over the counter items.The shopfront and signage was to be simple, open and effective both in the daytime and in the evening.

A large bench to accommodate at least four people was the choice of seating in the waiting area. The aim was to give patient users a space to sit and relax rather than encourage buying. A thorough review on the pharmacy user base was carried out and the seating area was to remain in a clean and open space with minimal retail lines.