Royton set for LIFT to health

AN artist’s impression of the new centre

ROYTON will soon be home to a state-of-the-art health and leisure centre which will be a one-stop shop for more than 20,000 people.

Plans for the £10 million health section of the centre will be unveiled to the public next week.

The development, which will be built behind the town hall, will house two GP practices, a chemist’s shop, community nursing teams, two dental surgeries and specialist services such as orthoptics, podiatry and audiology.

If planning permission is granted, building work will start on the first phase of the centre — part of the Primary Care Trust’s LIFT initiative — early next year.

The £100 million LIFT programme has seen similar centres in Moorside and Glodwick with developments in the town centre and Chadderton well under way.

Centres are also planned for Shaw and Crompton, Werneth, Chadderton, Hathershaw and Fitton Hill and Saddleworth.

The leisure phase of the Royton development is under discussion and is expected to include a swimming pool, dance studio, library, gym, meeting rooms, and a café.

Riaz Ahmad, chairman of Oldham Primary Care Trust, said: “These are very exciting plans to provide something unique for the people of this part of Oldham as part of a network of health developments across the borough.

“This will be one of the first centres of its kind and I am pleased we have all been able to work together to provide what they want.”

Dr John Kelly, GP lead for the Royton project, said: “The medical practices are looking forward to moving into premises designed for primary care in the 21st century.

“The accommodation will provide a much-needed improvement to healthcare.”

Veronica Jackson, Oldham Council’s executive director for health and social care, said: “The council is committed to providing the best leisure and sporting facilities.

“The development which is being considered will allow us to better serve current residents of Royton and future generations.

“We are working closely with the community to ensure that their ideas are incorporated into this building and we hope to create a fantastic resource that everyone can be proud of.”

Royton Sports Hall will close in October to make way for the new development, but the fitness suite and the pool will remain open until Chadderton Health and Wellbeing Centre has been completed.

The plans will be unveiled at Royton Market on Thursday, September 11. There will be pictures and information, and staff will be on hand to answer any questions.