The community has sought improved healthcare facilities in the town for a number of years. Although planning permission has been granted for a new healthcare centre to the north of the town, it has not been possible to fund and build the H&SCC on that site.
We intend to work with the Saxmundham Health Group and their partners so that the Rendham Road development will be able to assist in the delivery of the H&SCC to maximize potential funding. There are many reasons why the Rendham Road site is a preferable location including accessibility to a greater number of Saxmundham residents. Proximity to the A12 means improved access for residents in surrounding towns and villages and is efficient for ambulances entering and exiting the ambulance station.
Our plans locate the H&SCC on the north western part of the site in order to benefit from easy access to Rendham Road. The facilities will include:
- GP’s surgeries
- Dental surgeries
- Optician
- Birthing unit
- Pharmacy
- Family support unit
- Day nursery and crèche
- Ambulance station
- Training and education centre
- Café
These facilities will be supported by extensive car parking.
In total, the healthcare centre should provide approximately 145 jobs (80 new, 65 relocated).
Detailed provision and layout will be agreed at a later stage with the promoters of the H&SCC and the Council.
The Town Council have continued to show support for this addition to Saxmundham’s facilities. At recent meetings, they expressed their concern over a second option within the plans, which allows for a larger area for employment use in the event that the H&SCC cannot be delivered on the Rendham Road site.
Capital Associates have offered a significant ‘cross-subsidy’ to facilitate development of the H&SCC on this site, but delivery depends on the agreement, support and decisions of key stakeholders in the project, including the PCT, the Saxmundham Health Group and their partners, etc. Accordingly, it is not possible for Capital Associates to guarantee delivery of the project although we are strongly committed to it.
