Subject to planning permission, the new hub will transform an underused and deteriorating council-owned building for the benefit of residents
Plans for a new health and well-being integrated hub have been approved by Brent Council in London. Subject to planning permission being granted, the new hub will comprise a modern, purpose-built health centre, community spaces and well-being amenities, as part of a wider effort to tackle health inequalities in the area and support regeneration.
Photo by Dane Wetton / Unsplash
The council is already working with the NHS and GP practices, with the hub set to offer new GP and primary care facilities, a community pharmacy, flexible spaces for local activities and opportunities for sport and physical activity.
The hub will replace the existing Gladstone Park Youth and Community Centre – a deteriorating and underused council-owned site which has been assessed as too costly to repair. The new hub will transform the conveniently located site into a sustainable community asset.
The development will be supported by £2.97m from the Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL), a levy the council can apply to new building developments across the borough.
Cllr Teo Benea, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Property at Brent Council, says: ‘I am so pleased we have been able to secure almost £3m of funding. This is a real investment in the community, improving access to care services, creating training opportunities, supporting healthier lifestyles and enhancing the local environment.’
Dr Muhammad Najim, Lead GP at Willesden Green Surgery and NHS Brent Clinical Director for Health Inequalities, adds: ‘Far from being simply a new home for Willesden Green Surgery, this flagship Hub will offer treatments traditionally delivered in hospitals, bringing specialist care closer to home and advancing the NHS neighbourhood model. The state-of-the-art building will also be the most sustainable, lowest-carbon healthcare facility in NHS North West London.
‘Its design includes an outdoor plaza, a waiting-room café, an on-site pharmacy and a large community hall. A padel court, community garden and well-being studios will further support physical activity, social connection and preventative care. We are privileged to work with local community groups shaping these spaces. This vision has only been possible through the leadership of Brent Council and NHS North West London ICB.’
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