New surgery opens
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The Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall unveiled a plaque at the opening of an impressive new doctors surgery last week, built to replace the old surgery on Belmont Road.The Wheal Northey Centre, off Trenowah Road, St Austell, was opened last Thursday, marking the completion of a major design and build project which started in early April 2009 and was completed in less than a year by Midas Construction.
Lady Mary Holborow officially opened the surgery before Professor Anthony Pinching, of the Peninsula college of Medicine and Dentistry, cut the ribbon on the medical training facilities.
Atalaya Developments LLP were approached on behalf of Belmont Surgery Doctors in early 2008 and a successful planning application was made to Restormel Borough Council in March 2008.
The 51 week programme involved the demolition of old office buildings on the site and the construction of a striking three-storey, traditionally built, multi-use building with 55 car parking spaces and landscaping.
To improve patient care care, the Day Lewis Pharmacy was invited to open on the site, and the building also offers good disabled access and parent and child facilities, and they plan to see additional health provision in the building.
Dr Colan Robinson, of the surgery, said: “The completion of Wheal Northey Surgery is the result of an eight year effort by Doctor Anthony Hereward and myself to find new premises. As such, it has been welcomed with a mixture of relief and anticipation.
“The cramped and somewhat dingy premises at Belmont Road have been exchanged for spacious, well-lit working areas with a layout designed by the Doctors to facilitate patient care, medical training and staff welfare and efficiency.”
Dr Anthony Hereward said: “Its amazing to be in here, it is just so wonderful. For the patients it is giving such an enhanced patient experience. The two things patients wanted was adequate free parking and a pharmacy and we have been able to do that plus a lot more.
“The thing the surgery is most distinctive in its different approach is its amount of teaching."
Midas Group Chairman Steve Hindley CBE DL said: “This project adds another piece in St Austell’s regeneration jigsaw.
“It is the first healthcare project in the town in over 30 years and it sees the transformation of a brownfield site into a major community amenity which is both practical and attractive.”
