New £15 Million Health Centre and GP Surgery Planned in Weston-super-Mare

A new health care centre and GP surgery, valued at approximately £15 million, is set to transform healthcare access in Weston-super-Mare. Construction is scheduled to begin on Sunnyside Road North, replacing the existing Graham Road surgery and providing services for up to 12,500 patients. This initiative marks the first phase of a broader development plan approved by North Somerset Council.

The comprehensive project also envisions the construction of around 200 one- and two-bedroom apartments on land currently occupied by the Weston-super-Mare Rugby Club. Additionally, a site at the Recreation Ground has been designated for a new primary school. The Rugby Club itself, which has a storied history spanning over 140 years, will benefit from improvements including a new clubhouse featuring a function and meeting room, a gym, and upgraded changing facilities.

The RED Construction Group will spearhead the project, collaborating with StudioHIVE, along with partners including Atlas Land, North Somerset Council, and the NHS. Planning consent for the new surgery was granted in November 2022, with work expected to commence as soon as October 2023.

Cllr Mike Bell, the leader of North Somerset Council, expressed optimism about the project. He stated, “Patients in Weston-super-Mare have been waiting a long time for this new, much needed and purpose-built health centre. It has been a complex project and we have been working hard behind the scenes with developers and the NHS to help make it happen.” He emphasized the importance of the centre in addressing health needs and enhancing community well-being: “As ever, healthy communities are happy communities, which is why North Somerset Council are committed to doing all we can deliver modern facilities and infrastructure.”

Local MP Dan Aldridge also welcomed the development, highlighting its significance for the community. “This is a huge step forward for Weston. For too long local people have been waiting for modern health facilities, and I’m really pleased to see this project finally getting underway. The new health centre will make a massive difference to patients,” he remarked.

The initiative has garnered support from health officials as well. Dr. Joanne Medhurst, chief medical officer at the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, expressed enthusiasm for the project. “We are delighted that the contracts have all been agreed and signed for the new health centre in Weston-super-Mare. We know Weston has a growing population so strengthening neighbourhood health services and ensuring everyone has access to high-quality healthcare is a top priority for the NHS locally,” she said.

Architect James Howard from StudioHIVE described the project as transformative for the community. “It’s so gratifying to be able to start work on this project, which will be transformative for many people in Weston-super-Mare. In conjunction with our public and private sector partners, we are commencing an important first building block in the delivery of the Weston Gateway,” he stated. The vision includes the construction of state-of-the-art facilities, with further developments planned for housing and enhancements for the Rugby Club.

President of the Rugby Club, Alex Larkin, reflected on the significance of the development as the club approaches its 150th season. “While the first phase will not directly enhance the rugby club’s facilities, it does mean that we are now able to move forward with the proposed redevelopment, which will see state-of-the-art facilities for players, supporters, and the community to enjoy,” he noted.

With work on this health centre anticipated to conclude by 2027, the project represents a significant investment in community health and infrastructure in Weston-super-Mare. Stakeholders from various sectors are committed to ensuring that the development meets the evolving needs of the growing population, setting the stage for a healthier future.