A long-promised health centre for Wixams has been given the go-ahead after almost £7 million in NHS funding was confirmed, with residents set to have their first chance to view plans later this month.
The funding was announced at the first meeting of the new Central East Integrated Care Board (CEICG).
Plans and consultation
The new health centre will form part of the planned Wixams town centre, alongside retail, community and family care facilities.
Developers Urban&Civic are currently working up designs and will present them to residents at public engagement events in mid-April, giving the community an opportunity to comment on the proposals.
At this stage, partners say they hope construction could begin in 2027, with the centre opening in 2029.
Read: Major funding boost for GP surgeries in Great Barford and Wixams
Mid Bedfordshire MP Blake Stephenson (Conservative) said he was “absolutely delighted” the project had finally been approved.
“So much work has gone into this by so many local people and for many, many years,” he said, thanking local councillors and Bedford Borough mayor Tom Wootton for their support.
“I have lost count of the number of times I’ve mentioned this in Parliament to make sure Government Ministers and decision-makers were listening to us here in Mid Beds, and I’m so pleased we have now achieved a good decision and a plan to deliver the long-promised medical centre in the coming few years.”
Mayor Tom Wootton (Conservative) said the funding announcement followed “considerable effort and dedicated work” with partners.
“It will be an important addition to the community, giving local residents easier access to the services they rely on,” he said.
NHS and developer view
Jan Thomas, chief executive of the CEICB, said the funding was “great news for patients who have waited for many years”.
She said the new board would now focus on improving access to care and providing more services closer to home.
Nigel Hugill, chief executive of Urban&Civic, said the project aimed to ensure healthcare provision keeps pace with housing growth.
“I am delighted to be working with partners to deliver what we are all determined will be best-in-class GP facilities at Wixams,” he said.
The health centre is expected to include at least eight clinical rooms and serve a population of around 15,000.
It will be owned by Bedford Borough Council, with provision for future expansion as Wixams continues to grow.
Several GP practices have expressed interest in running the centre, with a provider to be appointed through a formal process led by the Integrated Care Board.
The project will be delivered in partnership between the ICB, Bedford Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Council and Urban&Civic, with the NHS funding the building and potential additional support from developer contributions.
Cllr Adam Zerny (Independent), Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, added, “Residents of Wixams have been waiting a long time for this facility, so we’re pleased to see steps are finally being taken.
“We’ll be eager to see work get started as soon as possible to ensure the project stays on target for completion by 2029.”
