Project Partners Break New Ground at New Health Facility in Weston
A groundbreaking ceremony has been held at the site of Weston-super-Mare’s new town centre health hub.
The health centre and GP surgery at Sunnyside Road North will provide facilities serving up to 12,500 people once it is completed next year.
The wider masterplan for the £15 million project includes the provision of around 200 new one and two-bedroom apartment homes on land that is part of the home of Weston-super-Mare Rugby Club, along with a site on the Recreation Ground earmarked for a new primary school, to be provided by North Somerset Council.
The project is being delivered by RED Construction Group’s South West team and led by Bristol-based property developer StudioHIVE together with its partner Atlas Land, working in partnership with North Somerset Council, the NHS and the rugby club.
Representatives from the various partners were presented with engraved ceremonial shovels to perform the groundbreaking ceremony.
Jason Collard, managing director of StudioHIVE, was joined at the event by several colleagues including his brother Jarad, the firm’s development manager and a former Weston Rugby Club player.
“Having grown up in Weston and with my brother having played for the rugby club – which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year – this project is particularly close to our hearts,” said Jason Collard.
“This is one of the largest health buildings being delivered anywhere in the UK and it will form part of an exciting future for Weston-super-Mare. The town really needs this new facility and it will have a really positive impact on the health and well-being of the area.”
Alan Chaytor, CEO of developer Atlas HIVE Weston Ltd., said: “I remember visiting Weston as a child and my sister recently managed to dig out an old photo of us both on the beach with a bucket and spade, so it is nice to go full circle. I am very excited to see the future.”
Tim James, head of strategic estates at Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, said: “Providing a new health facility to replace Graham Road Surgery has been a real challenge for health and care partners in the area but it’s great to see the hard work come to fruition.
“Breaking ground on this site marks an important step in strengthening local NHS services through new, purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities, designed to support the delivery of the very best care for local people.”
James Devey, divisional director at RED South West, added: “Setting the benchmark for the new vision for the town, we are privileged to be delivering the new health hub for Weston-super-Mare.
“We take great pride in being involved in projects that have positive and tangible outcomes for the communities we serve, and our team has an extensive track record of delivering important developments such as this across the region.”
