A new 'health and wellbeing centre' on Brunswick Street in Teignmouth could soon be built, subject to planning permission, if district councillors approve the sale of town centre land tomorrow (Thursday 28 April).

It comes as Teignmouth hospital looks set to close for good, with services moving to Dawlish Community Hospital and the new health and wellbeing centre.

Brunswick Street Car Park would have to close as it forms part of the site identified for the new centre, which also includes the adjacent former Bobbets Garage.

However, councillors will also be asked to approve creation of a new car park on the corner of Brunswick Street and George Street.

Plans approved in 2019 for a new Premier Inn hotel to be built on the partly derelict area of Brunswick Street fell through after the hotel chain pulled out due to a change in demand during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The NHS had previously submitted a planning application for a health and wellbeing centre on a different part of the same Brunswick Street site, but the revised plot reportedly allows for 'a better layout'.

The new centre would be subject to the normal planning process.

Councillor Richard Keeling, Executive Member for Property and Assets, said: "The sale of this site will enable the NHS to deliver a health and wellbeing centre in Teignmouth to enable local communities to access a range of services for their healthcare needs. 

"This development will also pump prime the area, not only regenerating the site itself, but also attracting a huge opportunity for inward investment, improving the area for local residents and visitors.

"This has been a positive collaboration with the NHS to provide a modern and accessible healthcare hub in the centre of a flourishing seaside town."

Liz Davenport Chief Executive for Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust said "This town centre location means, that subject to planning permission, the NHS can build an accessible, new health and wellbeing centre that will bring together a broad range of health and wellbeing services in one place, including GPs. We know that car parking is a particular concern for local people and this has been clearly recognised in the proposal." 

Dr Carlie Karakusevic, a partner at Channel View Medical Group, said: "The new centre will play a key role in safeguarding the future of GP care in Teignmouth. We can see real benefits to patient care, as services are in one place and staff from different organisations and different disciplines can work together as one team to provide proper joined-up care for local people."

Councillors will be asked to approve the sale to Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust at a full council meeting tomorrow.

Click here to view the site proposals (red demarcates health and wellbeing centre, green the new car park).