Construction of a new £2.3million health centre at Kirkholt in Rochdale formally began last Thursday with an official ground-breaking ceremony attended by local dignitaries.
Eric Wright Health & Care working with One Partnership, Rochdale Borough Council (RBC), Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group (HMR CCG) and the Kirkholt Medical Practice were joined on site by the Leader of the council, Councillor Allen Brett, Chief Executive of RBC and the Accountable Officer of HMR CCG, Steve Rumbelow, together with the Chair of HMR CCG, Dr Chris Duffy, to mark the occasion.
The Health Centre was developed by One Partnership in conjunction with Eric Wright Health and Care. It was designed by Triangle Architects and will be built by Nu Construction. The 550 sq m, two-storey building will house a range of GP led primary care services provided by the Kirkholt Medical Practice. Built to replace the current practice which is delivered from a temporary structure on the site of a former roundabout, the building is located close to the Rochdale Boroughwide Housing – Kirkholt Strand regeneration project, with the new health centre being the latest addition to the regeneration of Kirkholt.
Speaking about the scheme, Wayne Ashton, head of strategic planning at Eric Wright Health and Care, commented: “This ceremony is the culmination of many years’ work to allow the GP and primary care services at Kirkholt to be delivered in fit for purpose, state of the art accommodation’. Rochdale Borough Council’s decision to release the land for the new health centre and to take the head lease on behalf of Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group has helped to facilitate this development. With the project now underway we are working to a completion date of Spring 2020.”
Dr Chris Duffy, Chair of HMR CCG said; “We have worked long and hard with the existing practice at Kirkholt and other partners to get us to this important stage, finally launching the building works for the new practice. We are pleased that the practice will be able to deliver health services in a modern building in the heart of the Kirkholt community. “
Dr Andrew Elliott, Lead GP at Kirkholt Health Centre said “We are extremely pleased and excited now that the construction phase is under way. The new centre will bring benefits to the local community, improving access to quality healthcare as well as offering modern facilities for integrated teams and community services in one location.”
Council Leader Allen Brett also commented that “The construction of this new health centre is a further symbol of the regeneration of Kirkholt and we are delighted to be able to get this long awaited facility off the ground. “
Nu Construction Ltd have said, “We are proud to be involved with this prestigious project and look forward to working with both the consultants and client in delivering what will be a valuable addition to the local community and the residents it serves.”