Risen from the rubble
Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre will be built on derelict site
A site that has been derelict for 16 years has been chosen as the location for a new Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre.
The health centre has been approved for funding and is set to be complete by 2012, with full endorsement by the Neighbourhood Partnership.
Westside Plaza Shopping Centre will also benefit from the regeneration. The underpass will be improved and opened up, providing a safe link between the shopping centre, health centre and railway station.
The Council, in partnership with NHS Lothian and Wester Hailes Health Agency, will bring together a range of services to promote health and wellbeing in the local community.
The Wester Hailes Medical Practice will relocate to the centre and there will be services such as physiotherapy, dentistry, podiatry, speech and language therapy, paediatrics, mental health, learning disabilities and substance misuse.
The centre will also accommodate the Wester Hailes Health Agency, currently based in Dumbryden, along with space for voluntary sector services.
The health agency will provide a range of therapeutic services, such as counselling, massage and activities like walking groups and exercise classes. A healthy eating café and community facilities will also be included in the building.
The plot of land at Harvester’s Way has been derelict since 1993 when tower blocks were demolished.
The vision is to transform this neglected site into a vibrant neighbourhood visible from one of the gateways to Scotland’s capital city.
One third of the site is set aside for the healthy living centre while the rest will be developed by Prospect Housing for social housing. Providing affordable housing here will contribute to the delivery of the Council’s housing strategy.
David Small, general manager, Edinburgh Community Health Partnership, NHS Lothian, said: “I’m delighted this development is making good progress. We’ve given a great deal of consideration to site options available and are confident the Harvester Way site will bring the greatest benefits.”