Council secures site for new Polegate and Willingdon Medical Centre
Publish Date: 24 February 2025
A site for a new medical centre for Polegate and Willingdon has been acquired by Wealden District Council.
In December 2024, Cabinet members approved proposed feasibility work to be undertaken in conjunction with the NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board, for the potential delivery of a new centre for the residents of Polegate and Willingdon.
Outline planning permission has already been granted for a medical centre to be built on both the Hindsland and Mornings Mill developments on the A2270 between Willingdon and Polegate. Officers have appointed a small design team to begin feasibility work on the potential development which, when completed, will be a state-of-the-art modern facility to benefit residents now and in the years to come.
One of the potential sites was listed for auction recently and council officers were successful in submitting a winning bid, subject to the completion of final legal proceedings.
Completion is set for 26 February and from then on Wealden council will continue to progress with the feasibility study.
Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Public Health and Asset Management, said, “I am delighted the council has taken a major step forward in securing this site.
“A brand-new medical facility is vital to ensuring that health infrastructure within Polegate and Willingdon is able to support the previous and continued population growth within the area.
“Not only are we moving forward to facilitate the delivery of a much needed and improved community medical centre but also generating an ongoing revenue income for Wealden District Council or any subsequent unitary authority to support the future delivery of other key community projects.”
Amy Galea, chief primary care and integration officer at NHS Sussex, said: “We are really pleased the next step towards a possible new integrated care centre for people who live in Polegate and Willingdon is underway.
“Our ambitions are to provide as many primary health and care services close to people’s homes and in their local communities as is possible, and this is a really positive step toward that goal.”
James Trelfa, managing director of Danescroft, said, “Danescroft & Fiera are pleased to have completed the sale of the medical centre land to Wealden DC, allowing this important facility to come forward for the local residents benefit”
Updates on the progress made as well as useful links and background information are posted here: Polegate and Willingdon Medical Centre | Let’s Talk Wealden.