Council set to hand over land for new health centre

A blueprint has already been drawn up for the facility in Darnall, Sheffield, but the proposed site is currently in the ownership of Sheffield Council and must be formally handed over.

Members of the authority's ruling cabinet are set to discuss the disposal of the land to NHS Sheffield and if they give permission for the move, work should begin in the next few months.

The development of the new medical centre is being led by the NHS as part of the LIFT (Local Improvement Finance Trust) investment programme which aims to modernise GP care.

Coun Bob McCann, the council's cabinet member responsible for communities, said: "We are proposing to transform an eyesore, disused site into a health centre which will benefit local people by providing health services that meet their needs.

"This is definitely the best site because of its proximity to the district centre. It will have a good impact on the shops there and kick-start the regeneration of the area."

Simon Kirk, director of strategy for NHS Sheffield, added: "It's part of NHS Sheffield's vision to expand the range of healthcare services in Sheffield and improve access to services for local communities, and this new development will help us deliver this for local people."

According to the council, the plans will also create better green space in the area and pave the way for future housing, to be considered once the housing market improves. It forms part of a strategy to create a thriving district centre in Darnall.

The LIFT initiative has already provided three new healthcare centres in Wincobank, Deepcar and Jordanthorpe. Plans to develop others around Sheffield are progressing with planning applications also submitted for health centres in High Wincobank, Norfolk Park and Fox Hill.