Alternatives to Tooks site set to be considered

The plan to build a new GP practice on the site of the former Tooks Bakery in north west Ipswich will no longer go ahead after a significant increase in costs means it is no longer affordable.

Despite this setback there remains a commitment to find an affordable alternative. A meeting is set for next week with the GP practice and further engagement will take place with patients and other stakeholders to discuss a number of possible alternative plans.

The new build plan was first proposed to support the provision of primary care locally, in a partnership project involving the NHS and Ipswich Borough Council.

A joint statement from the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board and Ipswich Borough Council says: “The NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board and Ipswich Borough Council are deeply disappointed that the full relocation and new build plan at the Tooks site has now become unaffordable for the NHS, with costs having increased significantly over the past three years. 

“Despite this setback we remain determined to work in partnership to find an alternative, affordable solution that will deliver improved primary care facilities for the patients and practice team in north west Ipswich.”

Notes:

• The proposal was for Ipswich Borough Council to develop a new GP practice on the site of the former Tooks bakery in north west Ipswich and to recover all costs via a lease from the NHS
•  Construction and building costs have increased significantly over the past three years
• The Council will now withdraw the planning application it had submitted for the development pending agreement with the NHS to proceed
• The Council will now consider its options for the use of the former Tooks Bakery site
• The NHS is exploring other options to improve primary care facilities in north west Ipswich – details will be announced in due course

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