A decision to build a much-needed new health centre will finally be made this week.

Plans were originally submitted to build Horwich Health Hub on Victoria Road 2016 after the old leisure centre on the site was demolished.

Under the plans Pikes View, and the Market Street Surgery will relocate to the new centre along with various community services, with potential for other services.

The new healthcare facility would replace three existing medical practices in Horwich, which have been considered no longer fit for purpose by a lot of residents.

Cllr Marie Brady, who represents Horwich North East on Bolton Council said: “I will be pleased to see the health centre go ahead if approved.

“My only concern is the visual, with the grey brick because of the red brick surrounding it.

“I am not sure it ties in.

The Bolton News: The space has been empty since the old leisure centre was demolishedThe space has been empty since the old leisure centre was demolished

“I think it will be good to see what services are going to be offered.

“It will be open 24/7, seven days a week, so it would be quite a comprehensive service.”

The applicant states that if approved as a many as 10,500 Horwich residents would directly benefit from primary care.

Concerns that there would be an increased disturbance were raised over the fact that the health centre would be open 24/7, seven days a week.

The application states: “Officers consider that the proposed development would result in some harm to neighbouring residents by reason of increased noise and distance (given the proposed 24 hour opening).

“However, it is not considered that this harm would be detrimental, and it must also be

noted that the Council’s Pollution Control Officers raise no objection.”

The health hub would include a pharmacy on the ground floor and would offer a wide range of medical facilities and services, including GPs, community and mental health, diabetes and respiratory clinics and specialist physiotherapy.

The Bolton News: The hub will be three stories and include two GP surgeriesThe hub will be three stories and include two GP surgeries (Image: Bolton Council)

As many as 84 per cent of people who gave their feedback on the development in a survey, thought the quality of healthcare on offer could be improved by the new development.

The survey results also stated that when asked what they liked most about the new development, “the majority of responses were related to its prominent and convenient location, there being plenty of car parking, better facilities and improved service provision under one roof”.

But on the other hand, some were concerned that there would not be enough car parking spaces, as well as concerns about traffic management at peak times, and the length of time that the development would take to complete.

If approved, work on building the new hub is expected to start in January, which residents have eagerly been waiting for.

It has previously been recommended for approval at the Horwich Town Council meeting, and has been recommended for approval, subject to conditions ahead of the meeting this Thursday.

Read More:

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.