Sale of land approved for medical centre set to serve entire county
Plans include Community Diagnostic Centre and Elective Orthopaedic Hub
North Northants Council (NNC) has approved the sale of land for a new medical centre on Park Farm Industrial Estate in Wellingborough, aiming to enhance healthcare across Northamptonshire.
The centre is slated for a 2028 opening and will host a Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) alongside an Elective Orthopaedic Hub, serving as a key facility for diagnostic tests and orthopaedic procedures across the county.
Located off Booth Drive, the site was deemed surplus and chosen for its strategic proximity to both Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.
The CDC is set to operate 12 hours daily, delivering over 50,000 tests per year.
Concerns were raised about accessibility for non-drivers, as current bus services do not run directly to the site except at rush hours.
Cllr James Towns raised this issue, advocating for improved public transport infrastructure to support community access.
Cllr Taylor Cowley-Coulton called the development an “amazing opportunity”, but also pressed the need for enhanced transport links.
Montague Jeffrey's executive member for assets, Cllr Ken Harrington, assured the site’s accessibility and Cllr Chris McGiffen committed to reviewing bus provisions.
The new CDC will house various diagnostic facilities, including endoscopy suites, MRI scanners, CT scanners, and consulting rooms. It aims to improve diagnostic access, reduce treatment waiting times, and support early diagnosis.
The Elective Orthopaedic Hub will facilitate routine surgeries like hip and knee replacements, aiming to reduce waiting periods and optimize NHS resources.
Though approved unanimously, further planning permissions are necessary, as detailed by NHS plans.
Over £1 million generated from the land sale will fund NNC’s capital programme.
Cllr Brian Benneyworth expressed confidence in the project's potential to bolster health outcomes and urged collaborative action among local government, NHS, and partners.