Plans for new Weybridge health centre
A proposal for a new “state-of-the-art” Weybridge Health Centre has been submitted by the NHS
A community hospital engulfed by a devastating fire seven years ago could finally be replaced as new plans have been put forward. Located in Weybridge town centre, the site has been a focal point for healthcare since 1928.
A proposal for a new “state-of-the-art” Weybridge Health Centre has been submitted by the NHS. The scheme will see the construction of a large, two-storey building with 22 consulting rooms and 13 treatment rooms. Planning documents reveal the proposed health centre will have a “generous” waiting and reception area.
In July 2017, the original Weybridge Community Hospital was ravaged in a horrific fire as the blaze tore through the building. Neighbouring homes were evacuated but thankfully no one was injured. It was later discovered the fire was most likely caused by an electrical fault in a wall-mounted air conditioning unit.
Over the last seven years since then, people have been accessing health care services in temporary buildings on the site. Those living in Weybridge have endured several rounds of consultation and public engagement events over the years ahead of the greatly anticipated rebuild.
Feedback from residents revealed people would like to see greater provision of X-ray and physio services as well as a walk-in centre. Car parking was put as a key concern for people: both ensuring there is enough for people using the centre and to prevent people visiting the high street from using the health campus.
The application states: “The Proposed Development will provide a high quality, state-of-the-art health centre, to serve the local community and provide a permanent home for the Phoenix Family Practice, as well as a range of other health care services for the public.”
It adds: “The layout has been developed to ensure that the patient and visitor experience is of the highest possible quality. The building is considered to be accessible to all, easy to navigate and provides an uplifting and reassuring environment for its future patients.”
The applicant, NHS Property Services, has worked together with North West Surrey Alliance and NHS Surrey Heartlands to bring the proposal forward. The organisations have sought to provide a “fit for purpose” building which will “manage increasing future demand and internal and clinical patient environments”.
Distinctions between patient and staff areas are maintained throughout the designs. Staff will have exclusive access to an internal courtyard, their own entrance and car park as well as being housed in a separate part of the building.
People can comment on the proposals until January 22, 2025, on Elmbridge Borough Council’s planning application website. An officer is due to decide on the application by March 18.