A new health centre has opened its doors in West London after two years of construction.
The new Chiswick Health Centre on Fisher’s Lane will serve as a base for the Chiswick Primary Care Network. It will also house three local GP practices: West4GPs, Chiswick Family Practice, and Chiswick Medical Practice. There will be no change to the operation of these practices.
The development is expected to provide a broader range of GP services, such as community and mental health services, to over 60,000 Chiswick residents. The centre will also host a range of local activities and ventures to ‘support local health and wellbeing’ in the next few months.
The £23 million project is a joint venture between NHS Property Services, Hounslow Council and the North West London Integrated Care Board.
Alongside the construction of the health centre, 55 affordable homes have been built by Hounslow Council to support key healthcare staff of the centre - including nurses and physiotherapists.
Priority will be given for 100 per cent of the first lettings of the 55 Homes to NHS key workers who qualify for the council’s social rented accommodation. After this priority will be given to 50 per cent of all subsequent lettings.
The health centre also has two group rooms, which from April 16, healthcare providers will be able to book on a pay-as-you-go basis through the NHS Open Space booking platform. NHS Open Space has facilitated more than 3.5 million hours of patient care, with over 7,000 healthcare providers using 1,300+ clinical and non-clinical spaces in 200+ NHS buildings across England.
One of the focuses for the new building was to achieve ‘the highest environmental and sustainable standards’. The building also aligns with Hounslow Council and the Mayor of London’s environmental commitments to use low pollutant-emitting technologies and solutions.
As a result the centre reduced carbon emissions by 77 per cent, using LED lighting and solar panels. Additionally, the site provides landscaped courtyards, a fifth-floor garden terrace, and a public community green space.
Councillor Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development, said: "This modern facility not only offers a central hub for health and community services but also includes the provision of 55 affordable homes specifically designed for NHS key workers. Over £1 million in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds were allocated by the Council to support the practical implementation and temporary relocation costs of this project.
“This investment of CIL funds allows us to finance essential public infrastructure that underpins the vitality and sustainability of our borough. By strategically utilising public land and CIL funding, we've crafted a development that meets current demands while investing in the future wellbeing and growth of Chiswick."
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