Former Downham Market Social Club could be turned into healthcare centre in ‘significant scheme’
Exciting plans to create a new healthcare centre in Downham will be on show at two consultation events next month.
The proposals, which have not yet been officially submitted, would see the Willows Pharmacy relocate into the old social club on Paradise Road - which is around three times larger.
Downham-based planning agent John Stephenson, who is heavily involved in the project, says the centre would be privately funded, but would form part of an integrated care system with the NHS.
An official planning application has yet to be submitted - and locals’ opinions are being sought before it is at the end of next month.
Residents can go along to the Discover Downham heritage centre on Friday, September 6 (3-5pm) or the town hall on Friday, September 20 (10am-2pm) to have a look at the proposals.
Drawings of the potential site will be on show, while Mr Stephenson and Willows Pharmacy bosses will be in attendance to answer questions - as well as explain future benefits.
Mr Stephenson told the Lynn News that the facility would be a “significant scheme” in the town, which has expanded considerably in recent years.
The Downham Market Club on Paradise Road closed its doors a few years ago, with staff blaming a smoking ban and the opening of a Wetherspoon pub for a lack of use.
The building has been vacant ever since, but was purchased last year through the Auction House East Anglia by what was at the time a mystery buyer.
Now, it can be revealed that it was the Willows Pharmacy which bought the premises for £750,000.
At the time, the auction house described the chance to purchase the building as a “rare opportunity” due to its prime position and being so close to a mainline train station.
It benefits from a large car park and a rear garden area.
Mr Stephenson says that, if plans are successful, the healthcare facility will act as “a pharmacy and then some”.
Willows Pharmacy currently offers services such as help with minor ailments, contraception, screenings and tests, and vaccinations.
At the moment, Downham has three doctors’ surgeries - The Hollies Surgery, Bridge Street Surgery, and the Howdale Group Practice.
A new practice could be welcome news for residents concerned about a lack of infrastructure to cope with the amount of new houses being built in the town.
For instance, when a 226-home development off Bridle Lane was approved in late 2022, numerous concerns were raised about whether the town’s GP and dental provisions would cope.
That scheme is now well under way, while properties at the likes of Fairfield Road and Railway Road have also been proposed in recent times.
