Work begins to replace hospital destroyed in fire

Work has begun on a new health centre which will replace a community hospital that was destroyed by fire.

Weybridge Community Hospital burned down in a fire in 2017 and patients and staff have been using temporary buildings at the site in Church Street since then.

When it is constructed, a two-storey building will house the Phoenix GP practice, which will provide services including diagnostics, maternity and same day urgent care.

Elmbridge Borough Council granted planning permission for the scheme at a meeting in July.

Contractors Willmott Dixon are carrying out enabling works, including installing perimeter hoarding and setting up site offices.

The builders have also started minor demolition, to prepare for the main building work in early 2026.

NHS officials said the project is expected to be completed in 2027.

Jack Wagstaff, executive director of strategic commissioning for NHS Surrey Heartlands, said the project has been made possible by the local community working in partnership with the Integrated Care Board, the Phoenix Family Practice, NHS Property Services and Elmbridge Borough Council.

He said the new centre "will provide significant public benefits for the people of Weybridge and surrounding areas".

Dr Graeme Wilding, GP Partner at Phoenix Family Practice, said: "While this is clearly excellent news, it does mean that we will be entering an extended period of disruption due to the building process with parking spaces at a premium."

He thanked patients and staff for "their ongoing patience" and said doctors were looking forward to moving into the new premises.

The Conservative MP for Runnymede and Weybridge, Dr Ben Spencer, told BBC Radio Surrey it was "great news"

"After years of delays and scrutiny by multiple agencies, it is clear the process is too complex and bureaucratic, and improvements to this are needed. But that is the campaign for tomorrow," he said.

"Today I am just glad that the Weybridge Health Centre project preparatory works are under way and we are closer than ever to getting spades in the ground."

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "The new Weybridge Health Centre will bring together urgent care, community health services and a diagnostics unit.

"We can confirm that national funding has now been secured and construction of the new facility is expected to begin early in the New Year."

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