Fresh bid to move Old Town Surgery

Supporters of The Old Town Surgery say the practice is struggling in cramped conditions and has no room for expansion in its current location in Roebuck Street.

The practice has its sights set on relocating to the vacant Ice House on Rock-a-Nore, which it claims would allow doctors to offer safer, more comprehensive health care.

But Hastings Borough Council has previously refused planning permission, saying the surgery would take away space earmarked for a hotel, cause traffic congestion and parking issues, and would also cause waste storage issues.

The Ice House was constructed as flats and a hotel, but the owner has been unable to find a buyer for the hotel portion of the site.

Now Dr Craig Namvar is submitting a new application in a bid to move into the building, which has the backing of Hastings Old Town Residents’ Association and MP Amber Rudd.

Dr Namvar has applied for planning permission to convert two floors of the Ice House into a medical centre fit for the 21st Century.

Besides GP consulting rooms, there would be a healthy-eating restaurant, a pharmacy, an optician, and facilities to deliver physiotherapy, chiropody, and more clinical services that are not possible in the crowded Roebuck Street site.

Dr Namvar said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to really improve GP services in the Old Town.

“In these new premises, we would have twice the space that we have now, and could offer comprehensive healthcare under one roof.

“We really want to stay in the Old Town, and apart from the Ice House, there are no other suitable buildings or sites locally.”

Clive Vale has been suggested as an alternative location for the surgery, but supporters say it would mean longer journeys for patients.

• To register support for the Ice House plans, sign the official petition which is available at the surgery and throughout the Old Town.

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