Revised plans for £9m health centre on show

The artist's impressions showing revised plans for the development in High Bullen have been put on display at The Wesley Centre.

They have been revealed ahead of detailed plans, due to be submitted to Sandwell Council within weeks. The centre will provide new premises for two GP practices – Malling Health and The Spires Health Centre and designs have been tweaked since they went on display in August.

The changes take into account feedback and criticism from people in the area during the first round of consultation.

The colour of the entrance canopy is now blue rather than yellow and a footpath has been added from Dudley Street to improve access.

Meanwhile, a square block at the front of building, a use for which had not previously been decided, will now become a pharmacy.

Bob Smaylen, a development director for development company Prime, said: "At the first event in August the health centre was received very well.

"A lot of people were interested and wanted to know when work is starting.

"We have listened to their comments and hopefully people will appreciate the changes."

The development received a resounding thumbs up from people who popped into The Wesley Centre to see the fresh pictures on Thursday.

Grandmother-of-three Iris Hooper, aged 75, who lives in Hollies Drive, said: "It looks alright to me. It looks clean and modern, I think people in Wednesbury will like it."

Her views were echoed by waiter Zahed Rahman, who lives in Wharfedale Street.

"I think it's a good idea, this is exactly what Wednesbury needs," he said. "It looks very modern, a bit like a college. It's a good idea to have the two surgeries under one roof."

It is hoped the new centre will be open by 2014.