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New homes & cutting-edge health centre planned for Wirral
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| Wednesday 16th November 2011 |
Plans to build 58 homes and a state-of-the-art health centre as part of a £10 million scheme have been proposed for West Kirby, Wirral.
In one of the first partnerships of its kind, Wirral Partnership Homes (WPH) and NHS Wirral have come together to submit plans to Wirral Borough Council to redevelop Bridge Court.
Some 53 substandard properties that were causing a blot on the landscape were demolished in the summer of 2011 by WPH and the new homes and health centre will compliment the existing architecture and improve the aesthetic appeal of the area.
The construction of the scheme will help create apprenticeships for local people and boost Wirral's local economy.
Plans for the homes include using the most advanced energy efficient products and technologies that would see tenants saving an estimated £219-a-year on fuel bills.
WPH also aims to offer tenants a five-year tenancy agreement with the option to buy through shared ownership at the end of the term. Rents will be discounted by 20 per cent from the private market rent level to help residents save up deposits to acquire their homes.
Plans for a 2,300 square metre health centre include 18 consulting rooms, two minor surgeries, six general treatment rooms, a play area, clinical stores, an IT centre, library and four podiatry rooms.
Specialist baby, eye, hearing, leg ulcer and health visitor clinics could be included, while the larger site would enable more people to receive treatments such as phlebotomy and physiotherapy.
Counselling, maternity, psychology, citizen's advice and weight management services are also proposed, and the plans will be fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.
WPH Chief Executive, Brian Simpson, said: "There is huge demand for housing in West Kirby. Our plans will go a long way in helping local people by providing modern, energy efficient homes that will be unrecognisable compared to the previous properties at Bridge Court and really compliment the area.
"We are delighted to be working in partnership with NHS Wirral as we share a vision to provide the best facilities possible for West Kirby residents.
"Should planning permission be granted, tenants will be given the opportunity to buy the new homes at the end of the five-year term through a shared ownership scheme so our plans will really help them get a foot on the housing ladder, something that is proving harder and harder to achieve in the current economic climate.
"Not only will the new development make the area safer and more desirable, but it will also create apprenticeships and jobs, helping the local economy."
Wirral West MP, Esther McVey, said: "I am absolutely delighted that this site is to be redeveloped bringing much needed affordable energy efficient homes, as well as a state-of-the-art health centre which will deliver 21st century services in a great environment.
"This is tremendous news for the people of West Kirby and the wider community."
Dr Debbie Forsdyke of West Kirby Health Centre, said: "The existing health centre does not have enough space to deliver the required level of clinical services that our patients need, this can only be achieved through a new, modern facility.
"Having spoken at length to our patients directly and through our Patient Participation Group, we know it is desperately wanted and by working closely with Wirral Partnership Homes, it provides the perfect opportunity to create a sustainable health centre for the future.
"The plans, which include more GP consultation rooms and minor surgery facilities, a wider range of treatment and support services, and a greater selection of facilities, will result in the level of care improving beyond recognition."
Chairman of the Patient Participation Group, Brian Barnes, said: "West Kirby is in urgent need of a new health centre to ensure the best services are offered to residents.
"We welcome the proposal and hope the plans are approved so more people can benefit from the improved facilities."
A 14-week consultation period is now underway and closes on 19 February.
Two open consultation events will be held at The Concourse in West Kirby on Tuesday 6 December from 2.30pm to 6.30pm and on Friday 9 December from 10am to 3pm.
For more information about the Bridge Court redevelopment visit: www.bridge-court.co.uk
Photograph: (L to R) WPH's Assistant Director of Development, Steve Eaves, Dr Debbie Forsdyke of the Wells, Briggs, Forsdyke, White and Aldwinckle Practice in the West Kirby Concourse , and Brian Barnes, Chairman of the Patient Participation Group at the Bridge Court site. |
| Posted by 0 for Wirral Partnership Homes Ltd. |
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