Wellbeing Square in Newhaven, a central part of wider regeneration plans for the town, was officially opened on September 3, by Lewes MP James MacCleary and Lewes District Council leader Zoe Nicholson.
The state-of-the-art complex brings together two modern GP surgeries, a pharmacy, community wellbeing services and an expanded leisure centre under one roof.
Mr MacCleary said: “This is a genuinely transformational project for Newhaven, bringing primary healthcare, wellbeing and community services together under one roof in a fantastic new facility.
“Newhaven deserves to have the best facilities, and I hope this new health hub will be a model for the whole country to follow.
“These are huge steps forward and it represents a changing town that has a really bright future.
“I am so proud to have supported this project every step of the way, firstly as Leader of Lewes District Council and now as an MP.
“I am delighted that we have been able to achieve this and I would like to thank everyone who has made this a reality.”
Mr MacCleary helped launch the project during his time as council leader, as part of broader plans to revitalise Newhaven town centre.
The £21 million scheme was delivered with funding from Lewes District Council and the UK government. It has transformed a former Co-op supermarket into a multi-service health and wellbeing hub.
Councillor Zoe Nicholson said: “Opening Wellbeing Square and giving life to this fantastic new health hub is a major milestone in the history of the town and very proud moment for Lewes District Council.
“This stunning new hub delivers the high-quality, modern healthcare environment that residents so richly deserve.
“Not only is it transformational for people living in Newhaven but is also central to our wider regeneration plans.”
The hub features two fully equipped GP surgeries, a new pharmacy, an extension to the Seahaven Swim & Fitness Centre, and creative co-working space.
The integrated design aims to improve patient experience, meet rising healthcare demand in the area, and support long-term wellbeing.
Allison Cannon, chief nursing officer for Sussex and Surrey, said: “The opening of Wellbeing Square is a significant milestone for local people and a fantastic example of what we can achieve when organisations work together around the needs of their communities.
“By bringing GP services, a pharmacy, fitness and wellbeing facilities, and community spaces together in one location, this hub makes it easier for people to access support closer to home and at the right time.
“This is exactly the kind of neighbourhood approach we want to see more of across Surrey and Sussex, where health services, local partners and communities come together to help people stay well, tackle health inequalities and support healthier lives.
“We are proud to have been part of this development and look forward to seeing the positive difference it makes for Newhaven residents for many years to come.”
The project also included improvements to Dacre Road Car Park, a new roof for the former Co-op unit, and the construction of a link bridge connecting primary care and wellbeing services.
Paul Moore, GP at Quayside Medical Practice, said: “At a time when general practice is in crisis, nationally, through years of under-investment, we are excited to be able to offer our service in beautiful new premises.
“The opportunity to develop our practice is no longer constrained by lack of space, and co-locating with Wave Active will help our community explore ways to find health through activity.”
Duncan Kerr, chief executive of Wave Active, said: “Co-locating health and wellbeing under one roof will allow us to support residents in a much more holistic way.
“From rehabilitation and activity programmes to preventative health initiatives, this hub gives us the space and facilities to expand what we offer and collaborate with our primary care partners, supporting rehabilitation, preventative and sustainable health programmes and healthier lifestyles for residents.”