Dartford Borough Council and NHS Kent and Medway have confirmed a series of major steps forward in the delivery of the new Greenhithe Medical Centre, a project designed to bring improved GP capacity and modern healthcare facilities to local residents.
The Council has completed the purchase of the Steele Avenue site from Kent County Council, unlocking the land required to move the scheme into its next stage. This follows the authority’s decision last year to step in and help bring forward a project that has long been a priority for residents.
Supported by project funding provided by NHS Kent and Medway, the council is moving forward with engaging the specialist consultants required to advance the necessary design and planning work. NHS Kent and Medway and the two general practices will be fully engaged during the next phase of detailed design work. The scheme continues to benefit from the £3.6 million in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) investment that has been committed by Dartford Borough Council.
Dartford Borough Council and NHS Kent and Medway are working closely together and have commenced discussions regarding the business case and legal requirements for the scheme. The intention is to work at pace to complete the design, legal and procurement work required to move the project to business case approval and then into construction. Further updates will be provided as this work progresses.
Jeremy Kite, Leader of the Council, said:
“It’s very encouraging to reach these next milestones and to secure the land and funding needed to push this important project forward. By working closely with our NHS partners and by taking on some of the heavy lifting locally, we are ensuring that residents in Greenhithe and the surrounding areas get the modern medical centre they deserve.”
Sukh Singh Director of Primary and Community (Out of Hospital) Care at NHS Kent and Medway, said:“NHS Kent and Medway is really pleased with the early progress that our partnership with Dartford Borough Council has made in our joint plans to improve access to GPs in Greenhithe.
“Improving GP access is both a primary care priority for NHS Kent and Medway and a commitment in the NHS 10-year health plan: Fit for the future.
“We are committed to continuing to work with Dartford Borough Council and the two local GP practices to deliver Greenhithe Medical Centre as quickly as possible.”