New GP and wellbeing hub 'a major milestone'

A cluster of empty and under‑used buildings in East Sussex has been transformed into a £21m modern health hub.

Wellbeing Square in Newhaven, which brings together primary care, community wellbeing and leisure services in one location, officially opened on Thursday.

The project was led by Lewes District Council, which said it would "deliver a high‑quality, modern healthcare environment that residents so richly deserve".

Council leader Zoe Nicholson called the venue a "major milestone in the history of the town".

"Not only is it transformational for people living in Newhaven but is also central to our wider regeneration plans," she said.

The completed scheme includes two state‑of‑the‑art GP practices, a new pharmacy, an extension to Seahaven Swim & Fitness Centre operated by Wave Active, and a creative/co‑working space.

The council says the plan is to create an environment which can offer healthcare, wellbeing and community services delivered side‑by‑side.

The two GP surgeries combined will serve more than 15,000 local residents, with more than 5.500 appointments offered on the site each month.

Dr Paul Moore, a GP at Quayside Medical Practice, said: "We are encouraging people to be as healthy as they can."

He says the new hub will reinforce the message that "your GP is there for you".

Allison Cannon, chief nursing officer for NHS Sussex and Surrey, says the new hub will make it easier for people to access support closer to home and at a convenient time.

"This is exactly the kind of neighbourhood approach we want to see more of across Surrey and Sussex," she said.

"It's where health services, local partners and communities come together to help people stay well, tackle health inequalities and support healthier lives."

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