19 November 2008
Construction work is well underway on the new £4.25m Weston Lane Centre for Healthy Living on Weston Lane, Southampton.
The developers, primary healthcare specialists Assura, completed preparation of the site following demolition of the former Sun Inn public house and awarded the building contract to Farnrise Construction.
The new health centre, designed by GVA Grimley, will provide state-of-the-art facilities for the residents of the Weston community, housing six GPs and their staff from the nearby White House Surgery who are currently working from outdated premises.
The new Centre will also provide accommodation for some Southampton City Primary Care Trust (PCT) services including community dentistry.
Assura is also building extra space for future expansion so that it can facilitate any future expansion of the practice, including any new services that the practice hopes to introduce under Practice Based Commissioning.
Construction work is expected to last 12 months and be ready for the White House Surgery to move in by summer 2009.
The site was originally purchased speculatively by Assura prior to official approvals in order to secure it for NHS use, as it was recognised that there was a significant need for a new health centre in the area.
Simon Gould, development manager of Assura said: "We are delighted to be working with the White House Surgery and the PCT to provide a state-of-the-art health centre which will be an asset to the local community.
"The design and layout will provide a flexible and efficient working environment to enable staff to provide the very best NHS service. The modern design will use natural light and space to create an atmosphere of spaciousness and wellbeing."
Commenting on the new health facility, Dr David Paynton, managing director, commercial services, Southampton City PCT said:
"This development is another step in the collaborative working between GP practices and PCT led services. We look forward to work progressing on the new health facility and are delighted to be able to deliver improved services to the Weston community."
Dr Phil Clarke, senior partner at the White House Surgery, said: "We are very excited about the new purpose built premises which will bring enormous benefits for the local community.
"We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Primary Care Trust on this important development which aims to see additional services provided in Weston. With the work well under way, we are a step closer to realising that goal."
ENDS
Press enquiries regarding Assura Group to:
Andrew McKeon, AJM Public Relations.
Tel: 01423 734 560; Mobile: 07802 484 155
Louise Bathersby, Assura Group.
Tel: 020 7107 3830
