PLANS showing what the new health and wellbeing hub in Camelford could look like were on display at last week’s Camelford Community Network Panel meeting, writes Suzanne Cleave.

Two architect designed concepts were displayed showing, firstly, the health hub fitting onto the existing medical centre footprint, and secondly, more extensive plans, with the acquisition of more land to develop a new build.

This plan, if chosen, would mean that service continuity would be easier, as they could leave one building running while the new hub is built and developed.

While both plans are only concepts at this stage, consultants are costing both options, and more.

The project has already been granted £750,000 from NHS England, with an agreement from Cornwall Council to be committed to the project.

Community network officer, Sarah Sims, said: "We’re still moving forward. There’s a pressure on now, not just from the local community, but also from internal people getting on board with it, so fingers crossed as always."

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Rob Rotchell, town mayor and Cornwall Councillor for Camelford, said: “It’s progressing really well. The design and the location is what we’re agreeing now. I’m quite excited about what’s coming out now.”

Cllr Rotchell said out of the two options on the table, the first option to build on the same footprint is a bit of a ‘non-starter,’ as they would have nowhere else to site the medical services in the town while the new build takes place. This option would also increase the cost significantly.

He said they are likely to construct a new build on the land just down from the current site, through the acqusition of some land next to the church, which is owned by the diocese.

If this were to go ahead, the current medical centre could be demolished and discussions would be held to decide what to do with that piece of land.

Discussions are also ongoing surrounding funding, but Cllr Rotchell said: “We’re optimistic that Cornwall Council will put the most capital in to finance the build.”

As well as GP services, it is hoped the building will house dental provision, and podiatry and chiropody, as well as rooms for other services.

Cllr Rotchell said: “I’m more optimistic now that this happening then I have been for the 12-plus years that I’ve been involved in the project.”