A DESPERATELY-NEEDED new medical centre could open in Knutsford within three years, say the town’s GPs.

A private developer has vowed to invest £15 million to fund a state-of-the-art health and wellbeing hub.

GPs, midwives, district nurses, physios, dieticians and mental health specialists could share the building with hospital consultants, equipped with all the latest diagnostics.

READ > Groobarbs Wild Farm celebrates decade of phenomenal success

GPs are ‘cautiously optimistic’ the exciting plans could get the go-ahead by NHS bosses in the new year.

GP Dr Paddy Kearns, of Knutsford Medical Partnership. Said: “We have a plan to develop an integrated health and wellbeing centre on the site of the Community Hospital.

Knutsford Guardian: Sam Pownall executive manager, Dr Paddy Kearns and Dr David Hans hoping that a new medical centre will get the green light in the new yearSam Pownall executive manager, Dr Paddy Kearns and Dr David Hans hoping that a new medical centre will get the green light in the new year (Image: Belinda Ryan LDRS)

“We are working with a private developer.

“Hopefully, a decision will be made in January by the local NHS. If they say ‘yes’, it could open by the end of 2026.”

Citybranch has offered to forward fund the construction of the scheme and fully let the project to the NHS on a 30-year lease.

The agreement would allow the NHS to acquire the freehold interest at the end of the 30-year period for £1.

Property developer Adam Gross, of CityBranch, said: “We will make an investment of in excess of £15 million in new state-of-the-art facilities for the Knutsford community.”

Knutsford Guardian: Adam Gross, of CityBranch funded the construction of Altrincham Health and Wellbeing HubAdam Gross, of CityBranch funded the construction of Altrincham Health and Wellbeing Hub (Image: CityBranch)

Campaigners have been fighting for 15 years to improve facilities as doctors currently work out of four ailing surgeries with steep, narrow stairs that many elderly patients and parents with prams can’t access.

At present, 22 GPs and 123 staff look after 23,400 patients.

Dr Kearns said: “We are desperate. We’re working out of four buildings, none of which is fit for purpose.

Knutsford Guardian: Steep narrow stairs the Manchester Road surgery which many patients can't climbSteep narrow stairs the Manchester Road surgery which many patients can't climb (Image: Belinda Ryan LDRS)

“We are struggling to meet demand and may have to close our list.

“2,500 new patients are expected in the next five years.

“We’re not asking to build a palace, we just want a fit for purpose building that will allow us to provide a modern health care service for the 21st century.

“It is so much needed, it really must happen. I am cautiously optimistic.”

Knutsford mayor Cllr Peter Coan instigated Knutsford Medical Centre Project Stakeholder Group, following a packed public meeting in May.

Cllr Coan said: “I brought all the people together to sit in a single forum.

“It has worked as we are all moving in the right direction.

“This centre is massively overdue.

“It will be great for local residents who will no longer have the problem of getting to Macclesfield for hospital appointments.”

David Laycock, who set up campaign group HAWK, Health and Wellbeing Knutsford, has been inundated with support from residents.

The dad-of-two said: “I am delighted, we seem to have won the day.

“This new centre sounds brilliant.”

Tatton MP Esther McVey said: “I have been very clear in my support for a new modernised medical health centre in Knutsford with all the benefits it would bring to patients.

“The GPs know they have my full backing on this and I will continue to do everything I can to support them.

“I am delighted to hear doctors expect plans to be approved in the new year.

“A lot of work has happened behind the scenes in recent months following a series of stakeholder meetings, which I attended as the local MP.

“It is vital everyone involved continues to work together so we can deliver on this much-needed facility.”

A spokesman for East Cheshire NHS Trust and NHS Cheshire and Merseyside said: “We’re committed to ensuring the residents of Knutsford and across Cheshire have access to the healthcare services they need.

“In line with this, East Cheshire NHS Trust and Cheshire East place continue to work with Knutsford Medical Practice and other local partners to assess suitable options with a view to finding an appropriate solution that meets the healthcare needs of the town’s residents now and in the future.”