Assura : Proposed GP premises scheme in Suffolk takes next steps

Plans for a state-of-the-art medical centre in Sudbury, Suffolk have moved a step closer following an agreement with Babergh District Council to sell land for the proposed new facility.

The proposed new medical centre, being commissioned by the Hardwicke House Group Practice to replace a number of its existing sites at Hardwicke House, Meadow Lane and Cornard, would be built on land currently identified as a lorry park within the town centre.

The planned new facility would be 1,900 sqm to provide a mix of clinical, training and education space together with an on-site pharmacy. The proposals will culminate with a planning application being lodged for the new facility later in the summer.

Dr Jamie Gilmour, project lead for Hardwicke House, said: ''We have had great difficulty in providing the level of medical services we aspire to from our old buildings for a number of years, and this gives us an amazing opportunity to locate a modern healthcare facility in the centre of Sudbury with parking and transport links. We are grateful for Babergh District Council's support in facilitating this move and hope it will futureproof Sudbury's community healthcare provisions for many years to come.''

Councillor John Ward, Leader, Babergh District Council - who was instrumental in early discussions between the practice and the council - said: 'I am delighted that we have been able to support the introduction of a new medical centre into the town centre. It has always been part of our long-term vision for Sudbury to have improved healthcare facilities to benefit the local community. I would encourage local residents who have any queries about the new healthcare centre to find out more from the project team when they showcase the plans at Sudbury Market.'

West Suffolk CCG and NHS England supported a business case for the project earlier this year which is being funded through the NHS England Premises Capital investment programme together with Apollo Medical (now part of Assura). The new facility would help develop local services as well as providing much-needed capacity in primary care, to cater for an expanding population in the town.

A spokesperson for West Suffolk CCG commented: ''The CCG is pleased that proposals for a new state-of-the-art building in Sudbury town centre to replace Hardwicke House, Meadow Lane and Cornard Surgeries are progressing. Shortly, the practice will be seeking views from local people about these plans. We believe providing services from a modern building, that had good local public transport links, will help serve the community for many years to come.''

A consultation process will now commence with members of the project team showcasing plans of the new facility in Sudbury Market Place from Thursday the 8th of July. The team will also be available on the 15th and 22nd of July where members of the public can view the plans and provide feedback.

The Hardwicke House Group Practice in partnership with the West Suffolk CCG will also commence a patient engagement exercise from mid-July, where practice patients will be invited to provide feedback around the proposals. Further details will be announced via the practice website over the coming days.