Member Article

Health centre proposals for Gateshead town centre

The transformation of Gateshead has taken another step forward as councillors consider applications for two health centres in the town.

The two GP practices would form part of the new £150 million Trinity Square development in the town centre. Planning has already been approved for 45 new retail units, offices, a 950 bed student village and a Tesco Extra store.

The new development, which is being carried out by Spenhill, will also create more than 100 jobs for the town.

Alan Baty, chair of Gateshead PCT commented: “The centre will provide a one-stop-shop for a variety of healthcare services in a convenient location and is bringing care closer to home for patients offering them more flexible services and saving some a visit to hospital.”

Preparatory work has already begun on the site, with the Tesco extra store due to open in 2013.

Doug Wilson, Spenhill’s corporate affairs manager, said: “The health centre will provide a necessary and vital service for people living in Gateshead town centre - both the current residents and those who will move into the area once Trinity Square is completed.

“The Trinity Square scheme is very significant both in North East and UK terms. The early stages of work required on the site has gone according to plan. People will soon be able to see the first signs of construction.”

Planning for the health centres is likely to be considered before Christmas.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .