PLANS for a new multi-million pound health and wellbeing park, which could create over 500 jobs, have been formally submitted to Belfast City Council.
The proposed King’s Hall Health and Wellbeing Park in south Belfast includes a next generation GP care facility combining GP services along with the potential for onsite diagnostics including X-ray, ultrasound and near patient care for over 25,000 patients.
Discussions are also underway to ensure the facility is equipped to support the training of doctors and nurses. The site is also set to deliver much needed options for elderly living including a nursing home, independent living one and two bedroom apartments, bespoke homes for the over-55s as well as retail space, a hotel and a gym facility accessible to residents. Plans for this portion of the development were initially submitted back in May.
Developers behind the scheme, Benmore Octopus, believe the King’s Hall development will set a new standard for integrated health care provision in line with the Bengoa Report, launched last year as part of former Health Minister Michelle O’Neill’s vision for healthcare reform in the north.
David Burrows of developers Benmore Octopus said the King's Hall park is one of the most exciting products they have been involved in.
"It will create next generation GP care services for the growing population of South Belfast as well as delivering a range of onsite diagnostic facilities alongside housing options for the over 55-plus.
“We believe the King’s Hall Health and Wellbeing Park will be a beacon of excellence and a standard bearer for integrated healthcare provision in the city and Northern Ireland going forward."
Mr Burrows explained that the decision to formally submit plans comes after months of working closely with Belfast City Council, consultees across the health and social care sector including the Health and Social Care Board and local residents
"The plan and design we have now submitted reflects the highly collaborative and engaging process we undertook during the pre-application period. We believe this development is something truly special and unique which will have a lasting impact on people’s lives and health in this city," he said.
The completed development could provide employment for over 500 staff and Benmore Octopus has said if plans are approved it hopes to start work on the project next year.
