Wolverhampton estate’s new health centre moves a step closer
Building of a new health and wellbeing centre and residential apartments on a Wolverhampton estate moved a step closer this week, with the demolition of a derelict former training establishment on the site nearing completion.
The two-storey facility and adjacent three-storey housing development will be constructed in Probert Road, Oxley, in place of the long-defunct Oxley Moor House and Day Training Centre, following the approval of planning permission.
A feasibility study for the scheme on the unused council-owned land and a number of public consultations have been conducted, with feedback helping to shape the design of the two buildings. The site had previously become a magnet for antisocial behaviour and fly-tipping.
The new health centre will have GP services, council-led health services, community spaces and a pharmacy on the ground floor, with community nursing, family services, meeting rooms and a staff area above. There will be 18 clinical staff, 20 support workers and an estimated patient turnaround time of 20 minutes. A total of 65 parking spaces have also been planned.
Neighbouring residential accommodation will be made up of key worker housing and affordable living, allowing for 20 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom apartments to be constructed under the government’s new self and custom build initiative. There will be 20 parking spaces.
Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for visitor city, said: “This exciting scheme will bring back to life a brownfield site that is no longer in use and will deliver an important community asset. Following our successful community events and the engagement workshop with stakeholders, we gained very useful feedback from a cross section of the community.
“The feedback received was instrumental in shaping the design of the Oxley project as it helped identify further opportunities to benefit the community. This new facility will provide invaluable health services for the local community and will also help deliver more and better homes in Oxley.”
Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city housing, added: “I would like to thank everyone who has provided us with very valuable feedback that has shaped this project significantly. It is important that this development meets the needs of local residents and the consultation events gave us a clear direction to inform the outline planning application and gain approval.
“We can now look forward to demolition of the former day training centre being completed, paving the way for the construction of the new health and wellbeing facility and homes to start.”
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, cabinet member for adults and wellbeing, said: “This scheme will provide invaluable health and wellbeing services for the local community. We have worked closely with our partners in the public health sector to design a scheme that will enable them to deliver the best possible services for users.”
