Expansion plans for Skimped Hill health centre in Bracknell are set to be approved next week.
The GP surgery, located in the town centre next to Blue’s Smokehouse, could be expanded to help reducing waiting times as the Bracknell's population grows.
Bracknell Forest Council’s planning committee will decide whether to give planning permission to the Frimley NHS Integrated Care Board on Thursday, September 12.
Proposals from NHS bosses that the new centre will be able to treat more patients than currently – up to 701 appointments per day, from 659.
Staff numbers will also increase from 42 to 48 to cope with higher demand.
The facility would sit next to the existing site, built on parts of the car park. The current building would then be used mainly for administrative purposes.
It will house a new GP surgery and integrated services including primary care, children’s services and a maternity hub. As well as this, podiatry, talking therapy, speech and language therapy will be provided.
NHS bosses argue that the expansion will ‘support the needs of the local community’ as Bracknell’s population increases.
Originally, it was hoped the new centre could open by spring 2025 - but this was based on a premise that construction would begin in August.
It is not yet known the timescale for the opening once planning permission is given.
The building would be three floors, with the first and second being smaller in footprint to reduce the mass size of the overall building.
It will contain clinical, examination, treatment and interview rooms, as well as phlebotomy and supporting staff rooms.
The car park will also remain but will be relined to create a car park for 77 spaces. There will also be 18 cycle spaces provided. It’s central location in Bracknell makes it easy to access by foot and public transport.
Ambitions for the bigger GP surgery were revived after a previous scheme to build a similar facility fell through in 2020.
Known as Bracknell HealthSpace, the site planned next to Skimped Hull would have included GP surgeries, physiotherapy, dental appointments, mental health services and some urgent care facilities.
Despite approval being granted by Bracknell Forest Council back in 2011, developers Ashley House PLC never completed an agreement for the council to contribute money towards the project – known as a Section 106 agreement.
After no agreement was signed, Bracknell Forest Council withdrew the application in October 2020.
Council officers have recommended approval for the new Skimped Hill health centre, and a decision will be made at the upcoming Bracknell Forest Planning committee on Thursday, September 12.
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