COUNCILLORS have decided to combine a health care hub and a GP surgery with the planned community hub at Blue Mountain.

Bracknell Forest Council's executive made the decision on September 25 to provide a shared location for a range of services.

The move will be made in partnership with Binfield Parish Council, the East Berkshire Clinical Commissioning Group and Binfield Surgery.

Councillor Iain McCracken, executive member for culture, resources and public protection said: “We are looking to create something of real value to the residents of the new Blue Mountain development and to the wider population of Binfield.

"The council is prepared to invest significantly in the enhanced facility because a co-located community centre will help bring the growing community of Binfield together.

"Provided we can agree a suitable funding package with our partner stakeholders, relocating Binfield surgery and additional health facilities will mean, residents will be able to access a number of useful amenities in one location.”

The community hub project forms part of the Blue Mountain programme which consists of the new all-through school, King’s Academy Binfield alongside the ongoing building of new housing by Bloor and Linden Homes partnership and the creation of high quality, open space publically accessible.

The co-located community centre and health care hub is supported by all stakeholders as a positive step forward in meeting the local needs of a growing community in Binfield despite the additional cost, over and above the basic community centre.

The scheme is subject to securing the necessary funding from each of the stakeholders including NHS England’s capital contribution towards the health facility.

Residents will also be consulted at the appropriate stage.