Bupa claimed their new health clinic would ‘revitalise’ the empty unit
Plans for a new health clinic in a Peterborough shopping centre have been approved. Healthcare specialist Bupa submitted a planning application to Peterborough City Council in October.
It was subsequently approved by planners on December 5. The proposal will see a former soft play centre, which currently stands vacant at Serpentine Green shopping centre, transformed into a new health facility.
Specialising in a range of talking therapy services, the new clinic will operate between 8am and 10pm from Monday to Saturday.
“Once fully utilised, the clinic is expected to accommodate circa 2,000 appointments available per annum with the potential for growth should demand require,” the planning application stated.
A total of 12 new jobs will be created, which will include clinical psychologists, cognitive behavioural therapists, counsellors, and operational staff including a centre manager and administrative staff.
All of the roles will be externally recruited in the area subject to meeting Bupa’s criteria.
A council case officer report noted that the proposed health clinic was considered to be an appropriate use for the shopping centre given the proximity of another healthcare facility and the mixed uses already present.
“The health clinic is considered to offer a service that caters for the community and will support the viability and vitality of the shopping centre given this unit is currently vacant,” the report added.
Bupa’s planning application claimed the new clinic would “revitalise an underutilised unit”.
No objections to the planning application were received and development must begin within three years.
