Construction work starts on community hub

Construction work on a new community hub in Codsall, South Staffordhsire, is now underway.

Cllr Brian Edwards, leader of South Staffordshire Council, joined representatives from Russell House Primary Care Practice, Codsall Library and Seddon in a ground breaking event to mark the start of the project, which is expected to open in early 2022.

Edwards said: “It is really exciting that construction work is now underway and I’m delighted that our plans are moving forward despite the coronavirus pandemic. We are investing £10m to refurbish and add an extension to the council offices in Codsall and the transformation of the site will secure the building’s long-term future.

“This new facility replaces outdated 1970s heating and hot water systems with new energy efficient ones, helping reduce the building’s environmental impact and running costs. Electric vehicle charging points will be installed in the car park and batteries in the basement will store electricity to run the building and also enable us to sell surplus energy from solar panels back to the grid.

“Specialist teams from across the public, health, private and voluntary sectors will be co-located together in a modern, agile working and collaborative environment and, when the building is open to the public, residents will benefit from being able to access multiple services on one site right in the heart of the community. I’m sure the community hub will be a huge asset to the district and I’m looking forward to seeing our exciting vision turned into a reality.”

Pat Roberts, patient participation chair at Russell House Primary Care Practice, said: “We are looking forward to moving into a new surgery that will allow us to expand and see patients in a modern purpose-built space. Our current building was never designed as a practice and we have no patient parking. Going forward, the move will be of great benefit to all our patients, access will be improved, and we look forward to becoming a training practice and increasing our service.”

Stuart Fanshaw, operations director at Seddon, the contractor chosen to refurbish and build the community hub, said: “It’s great to be starting work on this scheme knowing how much of a difference the new library, GP surgery and additional facilities will make to the community of Codsall. We’re excited to see the changes taking shape over the next 12 months and can’t wait to hand this fantastic new space over to the people of Codsall in early 2022.”

Picture – left to right
Pat Roberts
Stuart Fanshaw
Councillor Brian Edwards
Graham Riley, library manager at Codsall Library