New community hub to create GP surgery and shops in West Gorton

Work is now underway on a new Community Hub in West Gorton, Manchester.

Developer LSP Developments is delivering the project, which will also include a GP surgery, pharmacy and shop, on land made available by Manchester City Council.

As part of the scheme, the West Gorton Medical Centre will relocate from its current premises on Wenlock Way.

Situated on the corner of Hyde Road and Clowes Street, the Community Hub will form part of the wider West Gorton regeneration programme being delivered by the City Council together with housebuilders Keepmoat Homes and Matrix Homes, and housing association Guinness Partnership.

So far, the programme has led to the demolition of 440 council properties, including two tower blocks, and the construction of 212 new homes for social rent.

Further, 144 properties have been refurbished. Housebuilder Keepmoat Homes is currently on site delivering as many as 400 new homes for market sale.

The creation of The Space Project, a facility for large scale television and film production housed in the former Fujitsu Complex, was also driven by the regeneration programme.

The Community Hub is due for completion by Summer 2017.

Manchester City Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Bernard Priest, said: “New homes alone cannot make a strong community.

“A community needs services and amenities to prosper. West Gorton’s regeneration programme is undoubtedly transformational for the area, but without this community hub the area would struggle to attract new families and grow.”

He continued: “A huge amount of investment has given the area a new lease of life and the hub is what this neighbourhood deserves - one of the final pieces that will make West Gorton a neighbourhood of choice.”

Dr Mike Eeckelaers of the West Gorton Medical Centre commented: “This is great news. We have been working with the City Council and colleagues in the NHS for some time to secure a new, modern facility from which we can meet the health needs of the local community. It is fantastic that this is now happening.”

LSP Developments’ Phil Lilley said the scheme has been in the planning stages “for a number of years”.

He added: “We are delighted to finally be on site and making our contribution to the continued redevelopment of West Gorton.”