Quinn Estates has secured planning permission for a new health campus in Thanet, Kent.
The Thanet Health Campus, which is the developer’s first scheme in the Thanet district, will comprise up to 9,253 sq m of commercial floorspace, as well as a comprehensive range of primary care-based services in purpose-built new premises.
The Grange Practice will move from its existing site in Ramsgate to a new, larger purpose-built building at the health campus site off New Haine Road near Westwood Cross.
The scheme will also include an 80-bed care home, a 70-flat extra care facility and a children’s nursery.
Mark Quinn, CEO and chairman of Quinn Estates, said: “We are excited to gain planning permission for Thanet Health Campus, which marks our first development in Thanet. Not only will this be an exemplary health campus which will enhance the healthcare provision for local people, it also represents significant employment opportunities. Alongside the jobs created by the medical campus, there will also be a significant boost in employment from the commercial element of the scheme.
“We’re also extremely proud that the scheme is 100% affordable housing, including an extra care facility for the most vulnerable members of the community. Quinn Estates is looking forward to bringing forward this project and making a real difference to the people of Thanet.”
Julie Hill, practice manager for The Grange Practice, added: “We are absolutely delighted by the decision to approve the health campus. Our primary problem as a surgery currently is that we have simply run out of space to serve the needs of our patients and ensure we continue to be able to care for an increasing population.
“We will be able to employ more GPs and nurses as well as expanding our community clinical team, ultrasound and dermatology services to reduce waiting times. Co-location with the other health users on the campus will also offer a fantastic opportunity for joint work and a more integrated population health approach for patients.
“Patients already on our list will be able to remain on our list once we move and we are also discussing with East Cliff Practice, which will remain at Montefiore Medical Centre, about the way forward – including minimising any impact on those unable to access the new facilities.”
An outline planning application was submitted in December last year for the entire New Haine Road site and a detailed planning application for the new medical centre is expected to be submitted later this year.
