Thursday, March 04, 2010

New community hospital

There are evidently proposals afoot for a new community hospital in Herston, between Washpond Lane and the Emmanuel Baptist Church. I have only just found out about this, and would welcome input from anyone who knows anything. What does Swanage Hospital think? I am especially concerned that any investment in any development fully integrates all the various ideas that have been floating around — for a community centre, a wet-weather sports/leisure centre, the possible relocation of the Health Centre, the development of a 'conference centre' at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, the possible relocation of the Town Hall and the Tourist Office, and all sorts of other facilities. What mustn't happen is that investment is made in one thing, then people later realise that something else is wanted but it's too late because the money's gone. There's a briefing to councillors on 6th April, so we should know more then. And there's supposed to be (another) consultation on all these proposals in the summer, as part of the so-called 'Core Strategy'. Busy times.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Do you know who, or what, is proposing this?

The Postman said...

I have no idea who is proposing this. I didn't even know there was an outline idea of a possibility for a new hospital. I thought the County Council wanted to close Swanage Hospital "because there was no need in Swanage". Though I had heard whispers about relocating the Health Centre somewhere.

Anonymous said...

Moving the Hospital and the Health Centre up to the proposed new housing opposite the Grammar School is in the Core Strategy Plan.

A bit more local knowledge coming ...

Washpond Lane runs down the side of the Middle School, the Emmanuel Baptist Church is in Howard rd - opposite Jewsons!

OK there is a church in Herston, just before you hit the houses, by the loos - no idea on it's denomination tho'.

That bit was proposed as possibly being suitable for up to 100 houses.

My memory fails as to who owns the land, but it's one of the local estates - excet fot the field itself which is owned by DCC.

Anonymous said...

I think the building by the loos is a hall owned by the Emmanuel Baptist Church. I'm sure someone will correct me if I am wrong. Are they talking about the field between there and Washpond Lane then?

Anonymous said...

It'd be new if they are. As I said above the Church site was mooted as a potential development and the field is owned by DCC.

I think that building on the field would dramatically alter the character of Swanage, as I said to PDC, when I suggested a few other sites to them.

There again maybe it should be considered, and if thought possible then put out to a 'real' public consultation or even a vote.

Little chance of that happening then!

Damn, I was trying to stay positive!

Anonymous said...

Whoops, forgot, the building may be owned by the Baptists, but the land is owned by one of our local estates - can't remember which.

Anonymous said...

??Encombe Estate??

Anonymous said...

STC have been meeting in "closed session" to discuss developement by the Baptist Church hall.

Anonymous said...

From what I remember the Babtist Church at Herston (Victoria Ave) has got planning permission for a new building.

I thought one of the options for all the health 'type' amenities was to put them on the Swanage Middle School Site..along with an out of Town Tescos ?, the Fire Station, Health Centre, Hospital, St Marks School, an extended after school club facility for Swanage children (those going to Purbeck) who cannot stay for after school clubs because of transport problems.

Who knows ?? Its all a lottery and a game of Monopoly !

I suppose we should think of it as an exciting adventure or perhaps it could become a new local fundraiser, we could lay bets on where these different amenities are going, which ones are closing, staying.

David furmage said...

I have heard that the town hall , as its faling down due to the state of it , will be moving to the new industerial estate when this gets built. Could I be wrong?

Anonymous said...

Next to the new rubbish tip? Sorry recycling centre.

Anonymous said...

I have heard that St Marks will be moving to the Middle School site, Is this right?
Does this mean that it will be next to the new hospital, the fire station, the health centre.
Does this mean that everything is moving to the Middle School site?

Anonymous said...

Let's just move everything that Swanage doesn't want to Herston. It's such an obvious solution. Why would the people who live there need green space anyway?