A major £21 million health and wellbeing hub has officially opened in Newhaven, East Sussex, transforming a cluster of previously empty and under-used buildings into a modern centre for healthcare, leisure and community services.
Wellbeing Square, which officially opened on Thursday, has been designed to bring a range of services together under one roof. The development combines primary care, community wellbeing, leisure facilities and creative workspace, creating a new approach to delivering health and support services closer to where people live.
The project was led by Lewes District Council, which said the development would provide residents with a “high-quality, modern healthcare environment” that the local community deserves.
Council leader Zoe Nicholson described the opening as a “major milestone” in Newhaven’s history, highlighting the wider role the project will play in the town’s regeneration.
She said the development was “transformational” for people living in Newhaven and would also form an important part of the council’s wider plans to regenerate the area.
Modern healthcare at the heart of the development
The completed Wellbeing Square includes two state of the art GP practices, a new pharmacy and an extension to the existing Seahaven Swim & Fitness Centre, operated by Wave Active.
A creative and co-working space has also been incorporated into the development, providing opportunities for community activity and collaboration alongside healthcare and leisure services.
The two GP practices will collectively serve more than 15,000 local residents, with more than 5,500 appointments expected to be offered at the site each month.
The development is intended to encourage a more joined-up approach to health and wellbeing, with healthcare professionals, community organisations and local partners working alongside one another.
Dr Paul Moore, a GP at Quayside Medical Practice, said the new hub would help encourage residents to take a proactive approach to their health. He also emphasised the importance of reinforcing the message that local people can turn to their GP when they need support.
Bringing care closer to home
The new hub reflects a growing focus on providing healthcare and wellbeing services within local communities, helping residents access support without having to travel further afield.
Allison Cannon, chief nursing officer for NHS Sussex and Surrey, said the development would make it easier for people to access support closer to home and at a time that is convenient for them.
She described the approach as exactly the kind of “neighbourhood” model that should be seen more widely across Surrey and Sussex.
By bringing health services, local partners and the community together, Wellbeing Square aims to help people stay well, address health inequalities and support healthier lives.
For Newhaven, the opening represents more than simply a new healthcare facility. It marks a significant investment in the town and demonstrates how previously under-used spaces can be transformed into facilities that support the health, wellbeing and wider needs of the local community.
As the new hub begins welcoming residents, Wellbeing Square is set to become an important part of Newhaven’s future providing accessible healthcare while supporting the town’s wider regeneration for years to come.