£15 Million Health Centre and Surgery Set for Weston-super-Mare

A new £15 million health care centre and GP surgery is set to be constructed in Weston-super-Mare, aimed at enhancing local healthcare services. Located on Sunnyside Road North, this facility will replace the existing Graham Road surgery and is expected to cater to approximately 12,500 patients. The project marks the first phase of a comprehensive plan approved by North Somerset Council, which has provided the necessary land for this significant development.

Comprehensive Development Plans for the Area

The health centre is part of a broader initiative that includes plans for around 200 one- and two-bedroom apartments on land associated with the Weston-super-Mare Rugby Club. Additionally, a new primary school site is designated on the Recreation Ground, contributing further to the community’s infrastructure. The rugby club, which has a rich history spanning over 140 years, will also benefit from upgrades, including a new clubhouse featuring a function room, a gym, and improved changing facilities for both the club and public use.

The project will be executed by RED Construction Group in collaboration with StudioHIVE, alongside partners Atlas Land, North Somerset Council, the NHS, and the rugby club. Planning permission for the surgery was awarded in November 2022, with construction anticipated to commence as soon as October 2023. The health facilities will be located on a segment of the rugby club’s car park.

Community Leaders Express Support

Cllr Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the long wait for modern health facilities in Weston-super-Mare. “Patients have been waiting a long time for this new, much-needed and purpose-built health centre,” he stated. “It has been a complex project, and we have worked diligently with developers and the NHS to bring it to fruition. This centre will not only enhance healthcare but also proactively address health needs and improve access to a variety of care and support services.”

Local MP Dan Aldridge also welcomed the development, emphasizing its importance to the community. “This is a huge step forward for Weston,” he noted. “For too long, local people have awaited modern health facilities, and I am thrilled to see this project finally advancing.” Aldridge underscored the expected positive impact on patients and the wider community, including new homes and investment.

Dr. Joanne Medhurst, chief medical officer at the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We are delighted that the contracts have all been agreed for the new health centre. Strengthening neighbourhood health services for Weston’s growing population is a top priority for the NHS.”

The development director at StudioHIVE, James Howard, expressed his excitement about the project. “This will be transformative for many people in Weston-super-Mare,” he said. “The construction of a state-of-the-art NHS facility marks the beginning of the Weston Gateway vision for this part of the town.”

As the rugby club prepares to embark on its 150th season, Alex Larkin, chair of the club, expressed optimism about the future. “While the first phase will not directly enhance the rugby club’s facilities, it allows us to move forward with redevelopment plans that will provide state-of-the-art facilities for players and the community,” he stated.

This ambitious project promises to deliver modern healthcare facilities and contribute to the overall regeneration of Weston-super-Mare, laying the groundwork for a healthier and more vibrant community. The expected completion date for the health centre is set for 2027, a timeline that will see improved healthcare access for thousands in the area.