New plans drawn up to move pharmacy into disused community centre in Peterborough
A disused community centre in Peterborough could be converted into a pharmacy if new plans secure the green light.
The owners of the Walton Pharmacy in Mountsteven Avenue, are looking to expand the service with a relocation to the empty Walton Community Centre, which is in the same street.
They say the former community centre, which has been closed for a number of years, will provide more space to meet growing demand for the pharmacy’s services.
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It will also allow the pharmacy to grow the range of services that it provides.
The centre will provide 246 square metres of floorspaces for the pharmacy, which is larger than its existing premises.
Plans seeking approval for a change of use of the centre have been submitted to Peterborough City Council.
The proposed service will have three staff and will open from 9am to 1pm and then 2pm to 6pm during the week and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.
A planning statement submitted with the proposals adds: “It is believed that the proposal will provide a positive contribution to the area whilst satisfying the requirements of future users.”
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It states that three car parking spaces will be provided at premises opposite the site and that six covered cycle parking spaces will be provided in the centre’s grounds. There are also parking laybys either side of the centre.
The proposed move has won support from ward representatives, Councillor Alexander Rafiq and Cllr Ivelina Banyalieva.
They state: “It is disappointing to see a building that once served the community remain unused, particularly when there is an opportunity to transform it into a facility that could once again provide genuine benefits to local residents.
They add: “Walton Pharmacy is already an established and valued local business, providing an essential service to residents.
"The proposed relocation into larger premises would allow the pharmacy to expand its operations and, importantly, provide a wider range of healthcare services.
"We particularly welcome the proposed inclusion of several private consultation rooms.
"These facilities would enable residents to access confidential health consultations, blood pressure monitoring, hypertension support and other NHS pharmacy services.
"They would also provide opportunities for visiting healthcare professionals to deliver additional services within the local community.”