THE council has confirmed it is in talks with the NHS to build a new diagnostics centre on a major redevelopment site.
Worcestershire County Council said “active discussions” were underway to potentially use Shrub Hill Quarter as a location for the new Community Diagnostics Centre.
The authority said the centre would provide easier access to tests, scans and diagnostics, in the hopes of reducing the burden on hospitals and speeding up wait times.
A location has already been selected for the centre within Shrub Hill Quarter, should the site be selected.
It follows a government announcement earlier this year of a funding programme for new and expanded Community Diagnostic Centres.
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Update on Shrub Hill Quarter
The county council said it is also getting ready to launch a procurement process to appoint a development partner to deliver its “vision” from Shrub Hill Quarter.
The site is a joint project between Worcestershire County Council and Worcester City Council and proposes a mixed-use neighbourhood to extend the city centre.
Worcestershire County Council said the development partner would have an initial focus on land at Lower Yard and Upper Yard, which is known as the Shrub Hill Industrial Estate.
Councillor Adam Kent, Worcestershire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for Finance, Corporate Services and Business, said: “This is an exciting next step for Shrub Hill Quarter and a significant opportunity to transform a key gateway into Worcester.
“As we launch the search for a Development Partner, we’re also exploring opportunities that could help bring early investment and activity to the site, including ongoing discussions with NHS partners about the potential for a Community Diagnostics Centre.
“While those discussions are ongoing, it is a really good example of how Shrub Hill Quarter could begin delivering benefits for residents from the very earliest stages of the regeneration journey.
“Our ambition is to create a vibrant new destination that supports jobs, homes, investment and public services, helping to unlock the full potential of this important site for Worcester and Worcestershire.”
