Shops and health project approved

Jobs are set to be created in Newark after plans for a mixed retail and healthcare development were approved.

The development at the Merkur House site next to Newark Hospital, on Bowbridge Road, will include a convenience store with two smaller shops and two separate healthcare units, such as a dentist or clinic.

The scheme is due to be completed by December.

National retailers are said to be in position to occupy the shops, although there are still opportunities for local health providers to be involved.

A major health project, which has already secured outline planning permission, will follow at the rear of the site in 2013.

It was originally due to be a 60-bed care home, but this may now change to another healthcare development such as a GP surgery or private health provider.

A further, more detailed, planning application will be submitted for that part of the site.

Up to 70 jobs will be created by the two schemes.

Mr Tim Wilson, of Wilson Estates, the company behind the plans, said: “We are very excited about the development and the regeneration it will bring to the Bowbridge Road area of Newark.”

He said the scheme would be at the heart of Newark’s medical and health future and was an example of private enterprise kick-starting the local economy.

“Vision and daring are what will bring Newark out of the recession quicker than other towns,” he said.

“Local government and business need to work hand in hand to broaden the opportunities and speed up the delivery of projects such as this as per the coalition Government’s guidance.

“We are in the worst recession of a lifetime and the people of Newark are owed fast solutions to the employment situation.

“Those taking enormous risks in this economy to create jobs need to know that Newark is the place to do business.”

There are plans for 89 homes on a neighbouring site, formerly The Bearings.

Meanwhile, plans have been submitted for a 64-bed care home on a former commercial site further along Bowbridge Road.

The development, likened to Southwell Court Care Home, on Upton Road, Southwell, would include amenities for residents such as a hairdressers, communal café and television room.

A total of 20 carparking spaces would be provided.

Future development, planned to the east of the site, could include a doctors’ surgery, medical centre, and a business and technical park.

It is the third planning application for a care home in the Bowbridge Road area in the past year.

Approval has already been given for developments at the former Broadway pub and at the Merkur House site.