Councillors have given the green light for the new Little Lever Library and Health Centre in Bolton.
Designed by AFL Architects ,and commissioned by Bolton Council, the development will incorporate three GP practices, primary care and mental health services, community health support and education, public health commissioned services, physiotherapy, podiatry, and support for long-term conditions.
The centre is intended to be a catalyst for future developments in the area and a central hub for the local community, integrating primary and community care for the local catchment population of 12,000 patients.
Located near Market Street and the town centre, the appearance will be contemporary to its surrounding contextual environment while respectful of the character of Little Lever.
The welcoming exterior integrates seamlessly into the public realm, inviting interaction and allowing for full accessibility for all members of the community.
Those with disabilities, as well as those with prams, young children, and the elderly are carefully considered in the design.
And the centre will have two entrances to facilitate both pedestrian use and ease of movement from the carparking provision.
In addition to the main facilities, the interior layout has multi-use rooms and shared office space designed to create integrated working.
The GP practices, though integrated, are distinct and easily identifiable with individual hut reception area designs.
Rizwana Osman, architect, said: “We want this new centre to be a true home away from home for residents, providing Little Lever with much-improved community amenities.
“Internally, it was important for us to create identifiable-but-flexible spaces that could be open to interpretation.
“We’re delighted this new development has been granted planning and look forward to it becoming a reality.”
The co-location of all services creates an asset for engagement within the local community and an opportunity to pro-actively prevent illness and avoid unplanned hospital admissions.