Leading healthcare property developer and investor Assura Group has started on site at its latest Welsh scheme, the 22,600 sq ft North Torfaen Primary Care Resource Centre in Blaenavon.
The £4.5m project will include a GP surgery, pharmacy, optometrists, dental surgery and space for patient groups. The development will be the new location for the nearby Carregwen Surgery, and services will cover a range of therapies and long-term conditions management.
The centre is part of the wider £18m Integrated Community Campus scheme, which includes a 130-place nursery and 450-place primary school, as well as leisure facilities. The Campus will also function as a hub for the delivery of other community services, including a presence from the Local Authority and Police force. The project is delivered in partnership with Aneurin Bevan Health Board and Torfaen County Borough Council.
Andrew Darke, managing director of property at Assura Group, said: “The Integrated Community Campus is an innovative development that will improve the quality of numerous services delivered to Blaenavon, and the Primary Care Resource Centre is an essential part of the scheme. This latest project demonstrates our commitment to providing integrated services to the local community.”
The scheme is the latest addition to Assura Group’s expanding Welsh portfolio, including developments in Harlech, Gelligaer, Y Felinheli and Milford Haven.
David Jenkins OBE, Chair of Aneurin Bevan Health Board said: “We are delighted that work is underway on this exciting development. When the Primary Care Resource Centre opens in September 2014 local people will be able access a range of health and community services in one location for the first time.”
Dr. Wayne Lewis, GP at Carregwen Surgery, said: “The new facilities will enable us to deliver an advanced level of primary care and help us to go above and beyond in our work with patients, so the Primary Resource Centre is great news for Blaenavon. We very much look forward to seeing how the development progresses over the coming months.”
The project is expected to complete in Autumn 2014.