A NEW multi-million pound state-of-the-art medical centre has moved one step closer to becoming a reality for Worcester.

The proposed new centre will replace the existing 100-year-old Lowesmoor Medical Centre, in Lowesmoor, which health experts claim is too small and has too few facilities to cope with demand from people in the area.

Plans have been submitted to Worcester City Council for the new purpose-built £3m medical centre which is hoped will be built on land adjoining Elbury Mount Primary School, Fairfield Close, in Warndon.

It is yet to be given the green light from the council but, this week, board members of the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, which is overseeing the proposal, gave the centre the thumbs- up.

It agreed that the centre should be developed and owned by a company called Matrix Medical, which will lease the practice to the SWPCT through a "nominal rent scheme".

Gillian Goodlad, director of modernisation and primary care for the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust said: "This is a really exciting, positive development in an area full of potential.

Extended team

"It represents an ideal opportunity for this practice to move from inadequate facilities to modern facilities with space for an extended primary healthcare team in an area which is at the heart of the community."

The proposed three-storey medical facility would be built on surplus school land owned by Worcestershire County Council.

It would consist of GP and nurse consulting rooms, a treatment room, a minor operations suite and accommodation for midwives, district nurses, health visitors and social workers.

It would also include ancillary administration areas for the practice and an on-site pharmacy.

The caretaker's house for Elbury Mount Primary School, would be relocated as part of the proposals.

The development will form the first phase of the county council's proposals for the area, which include a new primary school with integrated nursery.

The authority also plans to expand the Fairfield Centre, also on Fairfield Close, which offers a wide range of adult learning opportunities, and provide mini and junior football pitches, a play area and new access road with an area of private and social housing.

Work is scheduled to start on the new site next March if planners give the go-ahead.