Woodberry Down Health Centre under construction, 1950

Comment by Gordon T on April 27, 2016 at 12:54

I wondered when the pictures were taken, since the main blocks of flats are finished, so I found the centre was opened in 1952 - and is now a listed building. Looking at the caption, it says "Britain's first health centre" - built by the NHS, probably so. But the Finsbury Health Centre, just off Farringdon Road by the City, was designed by Berthold Lubetkin and opened in 1938. It also is listed, and has been partially restored - I visited it on an Open House weekend some years ago. Not to take anything away from Woodberry Down/John Scott though.

Comment by Hugh on April 27, 2016 at 15:17

The only date I have for the picture is 1950. Meant to add that when I posted.

Comment by Gordon T on April 27, 2016 at 15:47

Thanks. Mind you, had it been there I wouldn't have thought to go the extra mile.....

Comment by Hugh on November 30, 2025 at 2:29

Below is a picture taken just after opening in October 1952. It is still operating today at 220 Green Lanes as the John Scott Health Centre.

Comment by Roy aka Smiffy on Saturday

I remember the opening of the John Scott Health Centre, Green Lanes, very well and visiting it a few times.

Our doctor was Dr Stott (from memory often seemed to prescribe a 'tonic' or an M&B tablet) who had a rather gloomy basement surgery at 202 Green Lanes on the corner with Lordship Park. He then moved his surgery to the lovely, modern bright clean building.

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