Newhaven’s Wellbeing Square opening ‘a proud moment’ for Lewes District Council

The modern health hub officially opened on Thursday, September 3, and LDC said it brings ‘modern, integrated and purpose‑built health and wellbeing facilities’ to the centre of town.

The £21 million project, which was led by the council, transformed a former cluster of vacant and under‑used buildings into a health hub that brings together primary care, community wellbeing and leisure services in one location.

LDC said the hub ‘makes full use’ of council‑owned town centre properties to revitalise Newhaven’s healthcare provision. It said the completed scheme includes two state‑of‑the‑art GP practices, a new pharmacy, an extension to Seahaven Swim & Fitness Centre, which is operated by Wave Active, and a creative/co‑working space.

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, said: Opening Wellbeing Square and giving life to this fantastic new health hub is a major milestone in the history of the town and very proud moment for Lewes District Council. This stunning new hub delivers the high‑quality, modern healthcare environment that residents so richly deserve. Not only is it transformational for people living in Newhaven but is also central to our wider regeneration plans. My grateful thanks to all our partners, my councillor colleagues and council officers for turning our ambition into a stunning reality for the town.”

LDC said both GP surgeries had previously been operating from old and ‘increasingly unsuitable’ buildings. The new premises support the growing healthcare demand in the town, providing additional consultation and treatment rooms, improved reception and waiting areas, and enhanced staff facilities.

Allison Cannon, Chief Nursing Officer for Sussex and Surrey, said: “The opening of Wellbeing Square is a significant milestone for local people and a fantastic example of what we can achieve when organisations work together around the needs of their communities. By bringing GP services, a pharmacy, fitness and wellbeing facilities, and community spaces together in one location, this hub makes it easier for people to access support closer to home and at the right time.

“This is exactly the kind of neighbourhood approach we want to see more of across Surrey and Sussex, where health services, local partners and communities come together to help people stay well, tackle health inequalities and support healthier lives. We are proud to have been part of this development and look forward to seeing the positive difference it makes for Newhaven residents for many years to come.”

Duncan Kerr, Chief Executive of Wave Active, said: “Co‑locating health and wellbeing under one roof will allow us to support residents in a much more holistic way. From rehabilitation and activity programmes to preventative health initiatives, this hub gives us the space and facilities to expand what we offer and collaborate with our primary care partners, supporting rehabilitation, preventative and sustainable health programmes and healthier lifestyles for residents.”

The project was delivered with funding from LDC and the UK Government. In addition to the new GP surgeries, the council said there have been ‘extensive lighting upgrades’ to Dacre Road Car Park, the installation of a new roof on the former Co‑op Unit (now Quayside Surgery), and the building of a new link bridge connecting primary care with the wellbeing services delivered by Wave Active.

Paul Moore, GP at Quayside Medical Practice, said: “At a time when general practice is in crisis, nationally, through years of under-investment, we are excited to be able to offer our service in beautiful new premises. The opportunity to develop our practice is no longer constrained by lack of space, and co-locating with Wave Active will help our community explore ways to find health through activity.”