A new mixed-use health centre and library building is being developed in Chislehurst Town Centre.
Both the health centre and library will be located where the current library is, on Red Hill. As part of the proposals, a temporary library will be provided close by while the new health centre and library are being built.
The new proposed building will be set over three floors, with the library sitting on the ground and first floors and the health centre spread across all three. It will provide a modern and fit-for-purpose space and built using local materials to keep in style with the local area. Sitting at the back of the building will be a pay and display car park for patients and visitors, as well as locals visiting Chislehurst.
Health and care property developer, Prime, is working with Bromley Council, GLL, the council’s library provider, The Woodland Practice and Chislehurst Medical Practice to deliver the building on behalf of the council and GPs.
Guy Kippen, Development Manager at Prime said: “With high streets around the country having been through a difficult number of years, keeping health and community services in Chislehurst’s town centre will really benefit the local economy by retaining footfall in the surrounding shops and will alleviate financial and timing pressures on the NHS. The new building will also provide a wider range of health services on the doorsteps of Chislehurst residents.”
Councillor Peter Morgan, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said: “These welcome proposals will see not only a great new heath centre but also a modern library with upgraded facilities for local people. This of course follows previous work to improve the libraries in Biggin Hill, Orpington and Penge, which also helped to support the local economy. I welcome the fact that Prime is committed to consulting with local people about these proposals.”
Rebecca Gediking, GLL’s Head of Bromley Libraries said: “We know that everyone will naturally be very interested in these proposals. Local libraries are an important part of the local community, including in Chislehurst. We welcome the opportunity to help shape the library space, drawing on our practical and professional experience, to help get maximum benefit for our local library users and help us further develop an improved modern library service in Chislehurst’’
A community engagement website will be set up shortly providing information on the project and it is hoped that a drop-in event can be held later in the summer to share the plans with the local residents and the community (subject to restrictions). Planning permission will be submitted later this year. If successful, construction is due to start mid-2022.
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About Prime
Prime plc enables health and care providers to make the most of their spaces so everyone can experience better care. We unlock complex estate management challenges with leading industry-specific legal, financial and property planning solutions, and work with your partners to see the projects through masterplanning to delivery.
About The Woodlands Practice & Chislehurst Medical Centre
The surgeries provide general practice health care to the residents of Chislehurst and the wider area, with patient lists totalling almost 25,000.
Media Contact
Laura Pocknell, Prime, laura.pocknell@primeplc.com
Andrew Rogers, Bromley Council, Andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk