Plans submitted for new GP surgery at Wixams following £7m funding announcement

The development – due to open by 2029 – comes after the NHS announced £7 million in capital funding a couple of months ago.

The new health centre – which will serve 15,000 patients – will have a minimum of eight clinical rooms and will be owned by Bedford Borough Council.

It’s being designed and built by Urban&Civic in a project partnering with the council, as well as Central Beds Council and the Central East Integrated Care Board.

Nigel Hugill, chief executive at Urban&Civic, said: “All parties are now striving for a 2029 opening. Additional local centre facilities, as well as carefully thought open spaces, have also been submitted for planning. We are very determined that there will be no let-up in the pace from here.”

The health centre plans are part of wider proposals for a new town centre for Wixams, which have also now been submitted following a period of consultation. These include a nursery and community building as well as a 36,000 sq ft supermarket, shopping and retail spaces and a public square along with car parking spaces.

Following feedback from the community – with nearly 500 people attending two events in April – Urban&Civic will also add a food and beverage space, with a full application to be submitted in due course.

The developer is also looking at possible open spaces and sports facilities, including football and cricket pitches, basketball and tennis courts, along with community meeting spaces and allotments.

Councillor Martin Towler, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and communities: health and wellbeing at Bedford council, said: “This is a major milestone for Wixams and for all the residents who have waited so long for local health provision.

“It’s also a benefit to people across the borough – and Central Bedfordshire – who will have less congestion on the road from people having to travel from Wixams to other GP surgeries.”