An update on the development of a new primary care centre for GP practices and other local services in the Kirkham and Wesham area

We would like to provide an update on the plans to develop a new primary care centre on the site of the former Wesham Park Hospital in Derby Road, Wesham. We can confirm it is still our intention for this development to go ahead. This will provide a new state-of-the-art building for the two GP practices in Kirkham and for other services in the local area.

Discussions between the landowner and the former NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Group took some considerable time to conclude. A land lease and draft heads of terms have now been agreed for the use of the site as a primary care centre. It is acknowledged these matters took far longer than anticipated but the NHS was determined to get best value for the annual rent for the use of the land. 

Since that time, a significant range of options have been explored on how to fund this development. The former CCG and now the ICB have had to review all options to ensure the best value for money can be achieved. Those discussions have now been finalised and the funding route identified. The practices and other tenants have been kept involved and are all committed to the project. The design team that will now take this matter forward is in place but is currently finalising another scheme. Once that project is concluded the team will move across to take on the Wesham development through its design phase and through to a planning application.

We will provide a further update, hopefully around the summer, when it is anticipated the design phase will be triggered. We remain committed to our promise to involve local residents in the design of the building and we will look to work with a group of local people and to hold public engagement sessions as required.

We would like to thank people living in this area for their continued patience and understanding.