Rochford housing development to see new health centre set-up

Alongside new homes off Ashingdon Road, developer Bloor contributed land at the development and more than £250,000 to help a new GP surgery be built on the new “King Hill Park”. 

Now the homes have been completed, the Mid and South Essex NHS has invited practices to submit bids to take on the plot of land earmarked for a new state-of-the-art health centre. 

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The start of the search for a new health centre operator has been welcomed by Julie Gooding, Non-Aligned councillor for Hawkwell West. 

Plush - The homes are located in a green area on the outskirts of Rochford (Image: Bloor Homes)

She said: “Like all Rochford district residents who need medical attention, it’s not easy to get appointments due to the fast growing population.

“Therefore I will welcome any extra services such as new GP surgeries.

“We are continuously instructed to keep increasing housing, therefore it’s essential that the community has the access to services such as GPs and health care providers.” 

A spokesperson for NHS Mid and South Essex has said that the process of finding a GP practice to take on the new site is expected to conclude this summer.

It is also expected that the chosen GP practice would use the site to either relocate their existing services or develop a new branch surgery.

CGI - There are a range of homes available on the development in addition to open spaces and community facilities (Image: Bloor Homes)

The designated land available would be able to fit a healthcare building of 750 square metres, with additional on-site parking.

In a letter sent to stakeholders connected to the development, NHS Mid and South Essex said: “As part of a Section 106 agreement between Rochford District Council and developer Bloor Homes, a land option is available for purchase alongside a pot of funding to support improvement of healthcare services in Rochford.

“The ICB (Integrated Care Board) received early expressions of interest from local GP practices in 2024, which indicated there is appetite and opportunity from local practices to take this project forward.”

A Section 106 agreement is a legal agreement between developers and local planning authorities that require contributions towards a range of infrastructure and services.