Health officials driving through plans for a new health centre in Eye are poised to start the search for a developer to design, construct and finance the building.
NHS Suffolk, which is leading the project at the Hartismere Hospital site, has submitted a refined outline business case to NHS East of England (the Strategic Health Authority). Once approved, NHS Suffolk will secure a developer to work up detailed designs before construction work begins next year.
The health facility will form part of a larger redevelopment of the site, which will include a sheltered housing and new homes, a portion of which may be affordable.
Martin Royal, director of business development at NHS Suffolk, said: “We are extremely excited about this project, which will provide the people of Eye and the surrounding areas with modern, first class facilities on their doorstep.
“We have made great progress so far on the project and are ready to begin looking for the best possible developer to turn the proposal into a reality.
“This will be a robust process during which possible partners will be asked to submit their proposal and interviewed before a final decision is made. As with everything, we want to make sure we get the best possible scheme at the best possible value for the community, and will be taking care to ensure we do just that.
“We will then look to organise an event where the public can meet the developer and find out more detail about the plans.”
Once work is complete, the centre will house a mixture of primary and social care services, including GPs, community nursing services, mental health services, diagnostics and children’s services.
For more information about the project, visit www.suffolk.nhs.uk and click on “developments near you”.
