£7m funding announced for Wixams health centre development
The centre is due to open in 2029
A health centre in Wixams town centre has been given the go ahead following the announcement of nearly £7 million in funding from NHS England.
The centre will serve an anticipated patient population of around 15,000.
Designed to contain a minimum of eight clinical rooms, the facility will be owned by Bedford Borough Council to ensure continued benefit for local residents and potential future expansion.
Several local GP practices have indicated informal interest in operating the centre, with the formal procurement process led by the ICB expected to select the provider
Developers, Urban&Civic are completing design work for the town centre project, and the plans will be presented at public engagement events in mid-April.
Jan Thomas, CEO of the Central East Integrated Care Board said: “This is great news for patients who have waited for many years whilst the required funding was secured.
“Today we have launched our new ICB, and we look forward to getting on with the delivery: improving patient satisfaction, reducing the time spent waiting for care, delivering more services closer to home, and ensuring the NHS is financially sustainable.”
“As evidenced by today’s announcement, we will work with partners in the NHS, local government and the wider community to make our aspirations a reality for local people.”
Conservative MP for the area, Blake Stephenson said: ““I am absolutely delighted that the new GP surgery in Wixams has finally been given the go-ahead today.
Adding: “I have lost count of the number of times I've mentioned this in Parliament to make sure Government Ministers and decision-makers were listening to us here in Mid Beds, and I'm so pleased we have now achieved a good decision and a plan to deliver the long-promised medical centre in the coming few years.
“I'm looking forward to working with local residents, developers Urban&Civic, and other stakeholders as the project progresses to the next stage.”
Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the centre ready for service by 2029.
Residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming public events and share their input on the town centre plans.