It was great to meet the WeyBetter Weybridge team for an update on progress for the Weybridge Health Centre site last week.
Following input from stakeholders, the outline designs have now been drawn up and agreement on the services to be provided and overall layout of the new site has received broad agreement. This includes new and improved GP services, diagnostics, and community services, including a mental health hub. In my initial feedback when plans were first discussed, I was clear in calling for three priorities:
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Work on the health site should be prioritised ahead of wider regeneration
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Same day access to health services should be maintained
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Stakeholder engagement was vital to ensure the new facility can meet the needs of the local community.
I am delighted that all three of these priorities are now being delivered.
The outline plans will now be submitted to pre-planning scrutiny, ready for the full planning application later this year. You can view the plans here: www.weybetterweybridge.commonplace.is
These plans also set out changes and improvements the team seek to make to the local road network, including consideration of cycling and walking routes, junction improvements and speed reduction measures. The team have already received significant feedback on some of these proposals, and it is vital that residents have their say to ensure local knowledge is utilised to deliver the best results and avoid any unintended consequences.
You can view the proposals and have your say here: www.weybetterweybridge.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/roads-and-infrastructure/step1
One area still to receive final approval is the overall funding for the project. I raised this in Parliament last year and was pleased the Minister recognised the importance of the rebuild and gave assurances of continued support. I will continue to work with the WeyBetter Weybridge team and support them in their efforts to finalise the funding arrangements, so that building works can begin as soon as planning is approved.