Hospital destroyed by fire to be replaced as work commences

Work has officially commenced on a new health facility that will replace the community hospital destroyed by fire in 2017. Since the blaze, patients and staff have been operating out of temporary structures at the Church Street site.

The forthcoming two-storey building will host the Phoenix GP practice, offering a variety of services such as diagnostics, maternity care, and same-day urgent treatment. Planning permission for the project was granted by Elmbridge Borough Council in July.

Contractors from Willmott Dixon have begun preparatory tasks, including erecting site hoarding and setting up offices. Minor demolition has also started to make way for the main construction, scheduled to begin in early 2026. NHS officials anticipate the new centre will be completed in 2027.

Jack Wagstaff, Executive Director of Strategic Commissioning for NHS Surrey Heartlands, highlighted that the project has been made possible through collaboration between the local community, the Integrated Care Board, the Phoenix Family Practice, NHS Property Services, and Elmbridge Borough Council. He stated that the facility "will deliver substantial benefits for residents of Weybridge and surrounding areas."

Dr. Graeme Wilding, GP Partner at Phoenix Family Practice, noted that while the development is positive, it will bring an extended period of disruption, including limited parking availability. He expressed gratitude to patients and staff for their patience and said the team is eager to move into the new premises.

Dr. Ben Spencer, Conservative MP for Runnymede and Weybridge, described the start of preparatory works as "great news" and emphasized the need to simplify the complex processes that delayed the project in the past. He welcomed the progress toward beginning actual construction.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson confirmed that national funding has been secured for the new Weybridge Health Centre, which will combine urgent care, community health services, and a diagnostics unit, with construction set to start early next year.

Author's Commentary: Progress and Community Impact of the New Weybridge Health Centre

The commencement of preparatory works at the Church Street site marks a significant milestone for healthcare in Weybridge. After six years of operating from temporary structures following the 2017 fire, patients and staff finally have a tangible timeline for a permanent facility.

The two-storey development will house the Phoenix GP practice with services ranging from diagnostics to same-day urgent care and maternity support. This consolidation under one roof is expected to streamline access to care for local residents and improve overall efficiency.

While the construction phase will inevitably bring some disruption, particularly regarding parking and site access, the collaboration between NHS Surrey Heartlands, Elmbridge Borough Council, and other stakeholders underscores a unified commitment to long-term community benefit. Completion in 2027 will end a prolonged period of interim arrangements and mark a new era for healthcare delivery in the area.

Sources:

• Work begins to replace hospital destroyed in fire

Author: Olivia Parker
Olivia Parker is a journalist and editor with over 8 years in media. She focuses on culture, arts, and social issues, skilled in feature writing and critical reviews.