A £21m health and wellbeing hub has officially opened in Newhaven, bringing primary care, pharmacy, fitness and community facilities together in a redeveloped town-centre site.
The development team included Buxton Building, which carried out refurbishment and alteration works to the existing buildings, alongside new structural elements, internal fit-out and the creation of connections between the different parts of the scheme.
Wellbeing Square, led by Lewes District Council, has transformed a number of vacant and under-used buildings into a connected health and wellbeing destination.
The scheme officially opened on 3 September.
The completed development includes new premises for Quayside Medical Practice and Chapel Street Surgery, a new pharmacy, expanded leisure facilities operated by Wave Active and creative and co-working space.
The two GP practices had previously operated from older buildings.
Their new facilities provide additional consultation and treatment rooms, alongside improved reception, waiting and staff areas.
The development also includes an extension and refurbishment of the former Seahaven Swim & Fitness Centre, creating an enlarged gym, new fitness and holistic studios and improved facilities.
The swimming pool is due to reopen towards the end of September, with further wellbeing facilities scheduled to open in October.
The project has made use of council-owned properties in Newhaven town centre and also includes improvements to Dacre Road Car Park, a new roof for the former Co-op building and a link bridge connecting the primary care facilities with the leisure and wellbeing services.
The scheme was funded by Lewes District Council and the UK Government.
Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, said the opening marked a major milestone for the town and the council, while also forming part of wider regeneration plans for Newhaven.
The completed Wellbeing Square is intended to support both healthcare delivery and wider preventative health and wellbeing services, with the council describing the project as part of its broader regeneration of Newhaven town centre.
