Polegate and Willingdon Medical Centre
We are moving forward with plans to create a modern, purpose-built medical centre in Polegate and Willingdon. This new facility responds to a critical shortage in local GP services and represents a major step toward improving healthcare for current and future residents.
The centre is designed to meet growing healthcare needs by providing a high-quality, sustainable facility for two GP practices. Our goal is to improve access to care, support new models of integrated health delivery, and promote long-term wellbeing across the area.
The centre will be located at the Hindsland site, which was approved in June 2025 following detailed feasibility studies. This location was chosen for its existing planning permission, good infrastructure links, and minimal ecological impact. Approval of a reserved matters planning application was granted on 29 October 2025.
A New Standard of Healthcare Design
The building will be up to three storeys high, fully accessible, and step-free throughout. It will offer 85 parking spaces, four accessible bays, and ambulance access. Patients will have access to a welcoming reception, waiting areas, and an on-site pharmacy.
The centre will meet BREEAM Excellent standards, with low-carbon materials, solar panels, and efficient energy systems. It’s designed for long-term flexibility, with potential for weekend services.
Designed for Everyone
This project goes beyond healthcare. It supports the wellbeing of our whole community by easing pressure on local hospitals, creating new employment opportunities, and bringing more foot traffic to nearby retail businesses. At the same time, we're embedding sustainability into every part of the design. Active travel is encouraged with pedestrian access, bike storage, and electric vehicle charging. Materials will be recyclable and locally sourced where possible, in line with our commitment to the circular economy.
This project aligns with both NHS sustainability goals and our local Climate Emergency Plan, helping us take meaningful steps toward a net-zero future.
Patient Engagement - March/April 2026
The GP practices concerned are currently leading a patient engagement exercise regarding the proposed new medical centre. If you would like to find out more, ask questions or provide feedback, please do so directly through your GP practice, who are best placed to respond and ensure your views are considered as part of the ongoing process. The Council will continue to support the delivery of the project and will provide updates at key stages.
Site Plan - September 2025We are moving forward with plans to create a modern, purpose-built medical centre in Polegate and Willingdon. This new facility responds to a critical shortage in local GP services and represents a major step toward improving healthcare for current and future residents.
The centre is designed to meet growing healthcare needs by providing a high-quality, sustainable facility for two GP practices. Our goal is to improve access to care, support new models of integrated health delivery, and promote long-term wellbeing across the area.
The centre will be located at the Hindsland site, which was approved in June 2025 following detailed feasibility studies. This location was chosen for its existing planning permission, good infrastructure links, and minimal ecological impact. Approval of a reserved matters planning application was granted on 29 October 2025.
A New Standard of Healthcare Design
The building will be up to three storeys high, fully accessible, and step-free throughout. It will offer 85 parking spaces, four accessible bays, and ambulance access. Patients will have access to a welcoming reception, waiting areas, and an on-site pharmacy.
The centre will meet BREEAM Excellent standards, with low-carbon materials, solar panels, and efficient energy systems. It’s designed for long-term flexibility, with potential for weekend services.
Designed for Everyone
This project goes beyond healthcare. It supports the wellbeing of our whole community by easing pressure on local hospitals, creating new employment opportunities, and bringing more foot traffic to nearby retail businesses. At the same time, we're embedding sustainability into every part of the design. Active travel is encouraged with pedestrian access, bike storage, and electric vehicle charging. Materials will be recyclable and locally sourced where possible, in line with our commitment to the circular economy.
This project aligns with both NHS sustainability goals and our local Climate Emergency Plan, helping us take meaningful steps toward a net-zero future.
Patient Engagement - March/April 2026
The GP practices concerned are currently leading a patient engagement exercise regarding the proposed new medical centre. If you would like to find out more, ask questions or provide feedback, please do so directly through your GP practice, who are best placed to respond and ensure your views are considered as part of the ongoing process. The Council will continue to support the delivery of the project and will provide updates at key stages.
Site Plan - September 2025-
Share Why only 4 disabled bays everyone and their mother has blue badges. I need a disabled bay as I am in a wider van due to my disability and I'm in a wheelchair. I can never get a bay. It would be easier if you had 10 or 12 disabled bays . Also maybe I'm a little backwards but you said Eastbourne Road is that in in the new area where they are building houses? I haven't seen it yet. Will you have a physio dept or a scanner (mri or cat scan) ?? Just hoping you'd have something special added that would help us. Do you have a space there where groups could come and advise people while they wait? What i mean by this is I remember at one GP surgery they had age uk visit to advise pensioners about winter warm allowance and how to keep warm. Also free stuff. There are loads of groups out there who have loads of ideas that can help patients improve their lives. on Facebook Share Why only 4 disabled bays everyone and their mother has blue badges. I need a disabled bay as I am in a wider van due to my disability and I'm in a wheelchair. I can never get a bay. It would be easier if you had 10 or 12 disabled bays . Also maybe I'm a little backwards but you said Eastbourne Road is that in in the new area where they are building houses? I haven't seen it yet. Will you have a physio dept or a scanner (mri or cat scan) ?? Just hoping you'd have something special added that would help us. Do you have a space there where groups could come and advise people while they wait? What i mean by this is I remember at one GP surgery they had age uk visit to advise pensioners about winter warm allowance and how to keep warm. Also free stuff. There are loads of groups out there who have loads of ideas that can help patients improve their lives. on Twitter Share Why only 4 disabled bays everyone and their mother has blue badges. I need a disabled bay as I am in a wider van due to my disability and I'm in a wheelchair. I can never get a bay. It would be easier if you had 10 or 12 disabled bays . Also maybe I'm a little backwards but you said Eastbourne Road is that in in the new area where they are building houses? I haven't seen it yet. Will you have a physio dept or a scanner (mri or cat scan) ?? Just hoping you'd have something special added that would help us. Do you have a space there where groups could come and advise people while they wait? What i mean by this is I remember at one GP surgery they had age uk visit to advise pensioners about winter warm allowance and how to keep warm. Also free stuff. There are loads of groups out there who have loads of ideas that can help patients improve their lives. on Linkedin Email Why only 4 disabled bays everyone and their mother has blue badges. I need a disabled bay as I am in a wider van due to my disability and I'm in a wheelchair. I can never get a bay. It would be easier if you had 10 or 12 disabled bays . Also maybe I'm a little backwards but you said Eastbourne Road is that in in the new area where they are building houses? I haven't seen it yet. Will you have a physio dept or a scanner (mri or cat scan) ?? Just hoping you'd have something special added that would help us. Do you have a space there where groups could come and advise people while they wait? What i mean by this is I remember at one GP surgery they had age uk visit to advise pensioners about winter warm allowance and how to keep warm. Also free stuff. There are loads of groups out there who have loads of ideas that can help patients improve their lives. link
Why only 4 disabled bays everyone and their mother has blue badges. I need a disabled bay as I am in a wider van due to my disability and I'm in a wheelchair. I can never get a bay. It would be easier if you had 10 or 12 disabled bays . Also maybe I'm a little backwards but you said Eastbourne Road is that in in the new area where they are building houses? I haven't seen it yet. Will you have a physio dept or a scanner (mri or cat scan) ?? Just hoping you'd have something special added that would help us. Do you have a space there where groups could come and advise people while they wait? What i mean by this is I remember at one GP surgery they had age uk visit to advise pensioners about winter warm allowance and how to keep warm. Also free stuff. There are loads of groups out there who have loads of ideas that can help patients improve their lives.
Sarah asked 12 days agoThe GP practices are currently leading a patient engagement exercise, which is the appropriate route for questions, feedback and comments relating to clinical services, service provision and how the practices will operate. We would encourage you to contact your GP practice directly or respond through the patient engagement materials they have issued, so that your views can be fully considered as part of that process. The Council is responsible for delivering the building itself and is working in partnership with the practices and NHS Sussex to support the project. However, decisions relating to clinical services and patient care sit with the GP practices and the NHS.
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Share Will dedicated women's services be held at the new surgery on Facebook Share Will dedicated women's services be held at the new surgery on Twitter Share Will dedicated women's services be held at the new surgery on Linkedin Email Will dedicated women's services be held at the new surgery link
Will dedicated women's services be held at the new surgery
Rachel asked 13 days agoThe GP practices are currently leading a patient engagement exercise, which is the appropriate route for questions, feedback and comments relating to clinical services, service provision and how the practices will operate. We would encourage you to contact your GP practice directly or respond through the patient engagement materials they have issued, so that your views can be fully considered as part of that process. The Council is responsible for delivering the building itself and is working in partnership with the practices and NHS Sussex to support the project. However, decisions relating to clinical services and patient care sit with the GP practices and the NHS.
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Share The response to Majorca fans point below is encouraging, but the number of rooms available will only make a difference if the number of staff increases from the number currently servicing the two existing practices. Is there budget for additional doctor (s) / nurses etc? We all know how difficult and frustrating it is currently to get a GP appointment, more rooms make no difference if the staffing does not increase to service the demand. on Facebook Share The response to Majorca fans point below is encouraging, but the number of rooms available will only make a difference if the number of staff increases from the number currently servicing the two existing practices. Is there budget for additional doctor (s) / nurses etc? We all know how difficult and frustrating it is currently to get a GP appointment, more rooms make no difference if the staffing does not increase to service the demand. on Twitter Share The response to Majorca fans point below is encouraging, but the number of rooms available will only make a difference if the number of staff increases from the number currently servicing the two existing practices. Is there budget for additional doctor (s) / nurses etc? We all know how difficult and frustrating it is currently to get a GP appointment, more rooms make no difference if the staffing does not increase to service the demand. on Linkedin Email The response to Majorca fans point below is encouraging, but the number of rooms available will only make a difference if the number of staff increases from the number currently servicing the two existing practices. Is there budget for additional doctor (s) / nurses etc? We all know how difficult and frustrating it is currently to get a GP appointment, more rooms make no difference if the staffing does not increase to service the demand. link
The response to Majorca fans point below is encouraging, but the number of rooms available will only make a difference if the number of staff increases from the number currently servicing the two existing practices. Is there budget for additional doctor (s) / nurses etc? We all know how difficult and frustrating it is currently to get a GP appointment, more rooms make no difference if the staffing does not increase to service the demand.
DJ Mike asked 13 days agoThe GP practices are currently leading a patient engagement exercise, which is the appropriate route for questions, feedback and comments relating to clinical services, service provision and how the practices will operate. We would encourage you to contact your GP practice directly or respond through the patient engagement materials they have issued, so that your views can be fully considered as part of that process. The Council is responsible for delivering the building itself and is working in partnership with the practices and NHS Sussex to support the project. However, decisions relating to clinical services and patient care sit with the GP practices and the NHS.
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Share If i cant get an appointment, as is usual at Downlands, would it be possible to book with an available doctor in the other practice? on Facebook Share If i cant get an appointment, as is usual at Downlands, would it be possible to book with an available doctor in the other practice? on Twitter Share If i cant get an appointment, as is usual at Downlands, would it be possible to book with an available doctor in the other practice? on Linkedin Email If i cant get an appointment, as is usual at Downlands, would it be possible to book with an available doctor in the other practice? link
If i cant get an appointment, as is usual at Downlands, would it be possible to book with an available doctor in the other practice?
liz asked 13 days agoThe GP practices are currently leading a patient engagement exercise, which is the appropriate route for questions, feedback and comments relating to clinical services, service provision and how the practices will operate. We would encourage you to contact your GP practice directly or respond through the patient engagement materials they have issued, so that your views can be fully considered as part of that process. The Council is responsible for delivering the building itself and is working in partnership with the practices and NHS Sussex to support the project. However, decisions relating to clinical services and patient care sit with the GP practices and the NHS.
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Share Will there be provisions for minor surgery and X-ray machines with in the new premises. on Facebook Share Will there be provisions for minor surgery and X-ray machines with in the new premises. on Twitter Share Will there be provisions for minor surgery and X-ray machines with in the new premises. on Linkedin Email Will there be provisions for minor surgery and X-ray machines with in the new premises. link
Will there be provisions for minor surgery and X-ray machines with in the new premises.
Maxine asked 13 days agoThe GP practices are currently leading a patient engagement exercise, which is the appropriate route for questions, feedback and comments relating to clinical services, service provision and how the practices will operate. We would encourage you to contact your GP practice directly or respond through the patient engagement materials they have issued, so that your views can be fully considered as part of that process. The Council is responsible for delivering the building itself and is working in partnership with the practices and NHS Sussex to support the project. However, decisions relating to clinical services and patient care sit with the GP practices and the NHS.
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Share 1. I would be interested how the two surgeries collaborative working looks / manifests? 2. What are the "retail businesses" referred to other than the existing tesco express, the mentioned pharmacy as part of the development and the possible Aldi, the triangle & Polegate shops, as the new development only has housing as far as I am aware. on Facebook Share 1. I would be interested how the two surgeries collaborative working looks / manifests? 2. What are the "retail businesses" referred to other than the existing tesco express, the mentioned pharmacy as part of the development and the possible Aldi, the triangle & Polegate shops, as the new development only has housing as far as I am aware. on Twitter Share 1. I would be interested how the two surgeries collaborative working looks / manifests? 2. What are the "retail businesses" referred to other than the existing tesco express, the mentioned pharmacy as part of the development and the possible Aldi, the triangle & Polegate shops, as the new development only has housing as far as I am aware. on Linkedin Email 1. I would be interested how the two surgeries collaborative working looks / manifests? 2. What are the "retail businesses" referred to other than the existing tesco express, the mentioned pharmacy as part of the development and the possible Aldi, the triangle & Polegate shops, as the new development only has housing as far as I am aware. link
1. I would be interested how the two surgeries collaborative working looks / manifests? 2. What are the "retail businesses" referred to other than the existing tesco express, the mentioned pharmacy as part of the development and the possible Aldi, the triangle & Polegate shops, as the new development only has housing as far as I am aware.
Martin asked 13 days agoYou are correct that there are no other new retail premises other than the Pharmacy. The GP practices are currently leading a patient engagement exercise, which is the appropriate route for questions, feedback and comments relating to clinical services, service provision and how the practices will operate. We would encourage you to contact your GP practice directly or respond through the patient engagement materials they have issued, so that your views can be fully considered as part of that process. The Council is responsible for delivering the building itself and is working in partnership with the practices and NHS Sussex to support the project. However, decisions relating to clinical services and patient care sit with the GP practices and the NHS.
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Share What is this all about please ? on Facebook Share What is this all about please ? on Twitter Share What is this all about please ? on Linkedin Email What is this all about please ? link
What is this all about please ?
Sohanmati asked 12 days agoWe are creating a modern, purpose-built medical centre in Polegate and Willingdon. This new facility responds to a critical shortage in local GP services and represents a major step toward improving healthcare for current and future residents.
The centre is designed to meet growing healthcare needs by providing a high-quality, sustainable facility for two GP practices. Our goal is to improve access to care, support new models of integrated health delivery, and promote long-term wellbeing across the area.
The centre will be located at the Hindsland site, which was approved in June 2025 following detailed feasibility studies. This location was chosen for its existing planning permission, good infrastructure links, and minimal ecological impact. Approval of a reserved matters planning application was granted on 29 October 2025.
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Share How long will it take to build? on Facebook Share How long will it take to build? on Twitter Share How long will it take to build? on Linkedin Email How long will it take to build? link
How long will it take to build?
Elaine ronaldson asked 12 days agoThe project timeline is shown and updated on this page. At present we hope to begin construction later this year, with a completion date in 2028.
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Share When will this facility open? on Facebook Share When will this facility open? on Twitter Share When will this facility open? on Linkedin Email When will this facility open? link
When will this facility open?
Simon Haywood asked 12 days agoThe project timeline is shown and updated on this page. At present we hope to begin construction later this year, with a completion date in 2028.
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Share Why create a brand new building that would inconvenience people e.g. people who don't drive or people with mobility issues, which also creates more strain on water and waste capabilities rather than refurbish the buildings that you already have? on Facebook Share Why create a brand new building that would inconvenience people e.g. people who don't drive or people with mobility issues, which also creates more strain on water and waste capabilities rather than refurbish the buildings that you already have? on Twitter Share Why create a brand new building that would inconvenience people e.g. people who don't drive or people with mobility issues, which also creates more strain on water and waste capabilities rather than refurbish the buildings that you already have? on Linkedin Email Why create a brand new building that would inconvenience people e.g. people who don't drive or people with mobility issues, which also creates more strain on water and waste capabilities rather than refurbish the buildings that you already have? link
Why create a brand new building that would inconvenience people e.g. people who don't drive or people with mobility issues, which also creates more strain on water and waste capabilities rather than refurbish the buildings that you already have?
Lela asked 13 days agoThe option to refurbish existing GP premises was carefully considered at an early stage. However, the current buildings are constrained in terms of size, layout, accessibility and their ability to meet modern NHS standards. They cannot be adapted cost-effectively to provide the level of clinical space, patient capacity and compliance required for a growing population.A new purpose-built facility allows us to deliver fully accessible, modern healthcare accommodation designed to current standards, including improved disabled access, efficient layouts and the capacity to accommodate additional services. The proposed location has also been selected with accessibility in mind, including links to public transport and active travel routes. In terms of infrastructure, the building is designed and will be delivered as BREEAM Excellent. This will meet high environmental and sustainability standards, ensuring efficient use of water, energy and waste systems, and will be supported by appropriate utility assessments as part of the planning process.
Overall, the new facility is intended to provide a higher quality, more resilient and future-proofed healthcare service for the whole community.
Timeline
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Feasibility studies undertaken
Polegate and Willingdon Medical Centre has finished this stageSpring 2025
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Hindsland site chosen
Polegate and Willingdon Medical Centre has finished this stageJune 2025
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RIBA Stage 3 Design
Polegate and Willingdon Medical Centre has finished this stageSummer 2025.
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Approval of a reserved matters planning application and design work
Polegate and Willingdon Medical Centre has finished this stageThis was submitted September 2025 Planning Register - Wealden District Council and approved on 29th October 2025.
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Cabinet and Full Council approval to deliver the project, including full budget
Polegate and Willingdon Medical Centre has finished this stageFebruary 2026
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Patient Engagement- March/April 2026
Polegate and Willingdon Medical Centre is currently at this stageThe GP practices concerned are currently leading a patient engagement exercise regarding the proposed new medical centre. If you would like to find out more, ask questions or provide feedback, please do so directly through your GP practice, who are best placed to respond and ensure your views are considered as part of the ongoing process.
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Construction Start
this is an upcoming stage for Polegate and Willingdon Medical CentreAutumn 2026
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Project Completion
this is an upcoming stage for Polegate and Willingdon Medical CentreEarly 2028
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Building open and operational
this is an upcoming stage for Polegate and Willingdon Medical CentreEarly 2028
FAQs
- Which GP Practices will occupy the building once it is completed?
- How many doctors is it envisaged will be employed at the site going forward?
- How will the operational costs be met? i.e. The operational funding for the day to day running costs after the centre is built?
- How are people who do not live in walking distance and rely on public transport expected to get to the site, as it is not on the bus routes?
- As an alternative site, could the old police station sites in the centre of Polegate be used?
- Where will the access road to the site be?
- Does the height of the building exceed the height of the houses?
- How will water be supplied to the building if there is a water supply shortage?
Useful Links
- Sept 2025 - Application for approval of reserved matters (APPEARANCE, LANDSCAPING, LAYOUT, AND SCALE FOR A NEW MEDICAL CENTRE WITH ASSOCIATED PARKING AND LANDSCAPING)
- Polegate and Willingdon Medical Centre discussed at Cabinet 11 Dec 2024
- Planning Application for for up to 180 dwellings and medical centre at Hindsland, Eastbourne Road, Lower Willingdon, BN20 9NU
- Planning Application for up to 700 dwellings, 8,600 sq.m of employment floorspace, Medical centre, School, Community Centre, Retail, Playing Fields, Play space, Allotments at Mornings Mill Farm, Eastbourne Road, Lower Willingdon, BN20 9NY
- Sussex Integrated Care System Estates and Infrastructure Strategy Summary (August 2024)
- Wealden District Core Strategy Local Plan 2013
Plans
Who's Listening
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