Work has finally begun on the long-awaited new medical centre for West Kirby.
Workers from Eric Wright Construction have now begun on the Orrysdale Road site with work expected to be completed by April 2023.
It is a decade since a consultation was first held about the scheme.
The new complex – which will be known as Marine Lake Health and Wellbeing Centre – will be the new home for Marine Lake Medical Practice and Estuary Medical Practice, which are currently based at The Concourse.
There will also be access to:
- Specialist health and care services, including Community Nursing and Community Cardiology.
- An expanded 0-19 Health and Wellbeing service for local families.
- A new community space led by Age UK Wirral.
- Wellbeing gardens and a series of local art installations and exhibitions.
- Extended hours and increased capacity.
Plans submitted to Wirral Council in 2020 show it will have treatment rooms on the ground floor, GP consultation rooms above and administration accommodation on the second floor.
The site will also be home to a community cafe, run by Age UK Wirral.
Outside, there will also be improvements to the cycle route in front of Bridge Court apartments and a new pedestrian crossing.
The scheme is being funded by NHS England and Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust.
Construction is expected to take around a year, meaning the new complex should open in 2023.
BEING PATIENT – A 10 YEAR WAIT FOR WEST KIRBY’S NEW MEDICAL CENTRE
2012 – Consultation takes place regarding a replacement for Marine Lake Medical Centre, on a site next to the proposed Bridge Street apartments.
2013 – Planning permission for the scheme is granted by Wirral Council, with work scheduled to get under way after the apartments are completed.
2019 – TG Medical Centre on Grange Road does not have its GP contract renewed and its patients also begin using the ageing Marine Lake Medical Centre building.
February 2020 – Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust insists the scheme is still alive.
April 2020 – A search begins for a contractor to build the site.
July 2020 – Updated plans are submitted to Wirral Council.
December 2020 – Hoardings are erected proclaiming that construction will start in spring 2021 and the new centre will open in 2022.
November 2021 – Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust reveals that construction will get under way in early 2022.
March 2021 – Construction begins on site.