A multi-million finance package has been agreed for new health centre provision in Inverurie and Foresterhill, paving the way for construction on both facilities to begin.

The £22 million project, which will see the creation of a new health facility in Inverurie along with a new Foresterhill health centre built within the site of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, will be led by hub North Scotland after it was appointed as development partner by NHS Grampian. Works on both sites will be carried out by Morrison Construction.

The new £8m Foresterhill Health Centre will be situated on land to the west of the site, its proximity allowing for excellent liaison between primary care and specialist services, providing a new state of the art home for two GP practices.

The new £14m Inverurie complex will be built within the existing hospital grounds and will service more than 21,000 patients – it is the largest single General Practitioner practice in Scotland. The state-of-the-art facility will also incorporate community health services including dental and maternity provision. Physiotherapy, ultrasounds and speech and language therapy will also be available.

Work on both sites is set to begin later this year with a proposed completion date of summer 2018.

Kevin Hewitt, chief executive of hub North Scotland, said: “This finance deal paves the way for the construction of the new Inverurie and Foresterhill health centres to commence. Both facilities are much needed by their respective communities and will considerably enhance health care provision to those who use both centres. These developments will also increase the number of patients that both centres can cater for, something that was a main requirement especially in Inverurie.

“hub North Scotland is delighted to be delivering both these projects on behalf of NHS Grampian and we’re looking forward to continuing to work closely with the body as well as other key stakeholders in bringing these innovative facilities to fruition.”

NHS Grampian chief executive, Malcolm Wright, said “I am extremely pleased that work is about to get underway on these two vital projects. Inverurie has expanded considerably over recent years and it’s important that we ensure health care facilities match that growth. The new Health and Social Care HUB will do just that and be able to serve more than 20,000 patients. Meanwhile, constructing a new Foresterhill Health Centre will provide much improved facilities for patients there and allow us to move ahead with The Baird Family Hospital.”

Project director Stan Mathieson said: “This announcement is welcome news but this hasn’t happened overnight - it’s the result of a lot of hard work including extensive consultation with patients, the public and staff. We’ve listened to their feedback and I’m sure patients at Foresterhill Health Centre and in Inverurie will be thrilled that new facilities will soon be a reality.”

Mike Bruce, managing director of Morrison Construction North East Scotland, said: “We are pleased to be commencing this significant health project for hub North Scotland and NHS Grampian. We look forward to successfully delivering this project for our client and wider stakeholders, and in turn provide the local community with an enhanced built environment and improved facilities.”

hub North Scotland comprises Alba Community Partnerships (a joint venture of Galliford Try Investments, Equitix and Sweett Investment Services), Scottish Futures Trust and 16 Northern Territory Partners, working with local suppliers and contractors to deliver quality buildings and services.

Images courtesy of Mackie Ramsay Taylor Architects.