A major milestone in the development of a new permanent home for Hawthorn Medical Centre was marked on Tuesday 3rd November with a ceremonial groundbreaking event at the Moseley Road location.
Representatives from NHS Greater Manchester, Manchester City Council, Hawthorn Medical Centre and project partners joined patients to celebrate the start of construction on the purpose-built health centre. Which will provide modern, expanded facilities for patients and staff and help meet the growing healthcare needs of the local community.
The new facility, located less than 100 metres from the practice’s current site, represents a significant investment in primary care services in the area. Once complete, it will offer larger and more modern clinical accommodation, at least five additional consulting and treatment rooms, dedicated training space and onsite parking.
Expected to open in Autumn 2027, the development will also provide greater flexibility for the practice to expand services in the future and continue delivering high-quality care to a growing population.
While construction of the new facility progresses, Hawthorn Medical Centre will temporarily relocate to accommodation at Asda Longsight from December 2026 until the new building is completed in summer 2027.
The NHS, Manchester City Council and Hawthorn Medical Centre have worked closely with supermarket chain Lidl to explore opportunities for the practice to remain in its existing premises until the new health centre was ready. However, despite all efforts, it has not been possible to extend occupation of the current building beyond December 2026.
Following a review of a number of potential locations, temporary accommodation has been secured at Asda Longsight, approximately 1.1 miles from the current practice. The site was selected based on its availability, accessibility, quality of clinical environment and ability to accommodate practice services safely and effectively.
Patients will continue to receive the same GP services throughout the temporary relocation period, with the site providing a modern, fully equipped clinical environment. Onsite parking will be available and information about public transport routes and travel options will be shared with patients ahead of the move.
Dr Laura Neilson, CEO of Hope Citadel Healthcare (a not-for-profit community interest company which runs Hawthorn Medical Centre) said:
“Breaking ground on our new permanent home is a hugely exciting moment for our practice, our staff, and the patients we are proud to provide care to.
“This project represents years of planning and partnership working, towards creating a modern, fit-for-the-future health centre, that will help us to continue delivering the best possible care for our community.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our patients for supporting us through this transition period into temporary accommodation before we move into our state-of-the-art new health centre. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of care throughout and are confident that when the doors of our new health centre open, it will have been well worth the journey.”
Caroline Bradley, Director of Primary Care and Community Healthcare Services for NHS Greater Manchester said:
“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony marks an important step forward in delivering modern healthcare facilities for local people.
“The new Hawthorn Medical Centre will provide significantly improved clinical accommodation, creating additional capacity and supporting the delivery of high-quality primary care services for many years to come.
“We would like to thank patients for their patience and understanding while the practice temporarily relocates during construction. The move will ensure services continue uninterrupted while we build a facility that is fit for the future.”
Kevin Showler, Managing Director, North, at NHS Property Services, added:
“We are delighted to have been a part of this project at Hawthorn Medical Centre. The five new clinical rooms being constructed will boost the healthcare services provided to the local community.
“This project demonstrates how NHS Property Services works with ICBs, Trusts and Councils alike to deliver excellent neighbourhood health care across England, helping to ensure an NHS estate fit for the future.”
