Hope of start date for £13m surgery

A £13 million super surgery to serve more than 15,000 patients across Shrewsbury could be open as early as late 2012, it has been revealed.

Matrix Medical submitted plans to Shropshire Council last year for a medical complex housing both Albert Road and Mount Pleasant medical practices.

Up to 70 jobs could be created under the plans for the three-storey building which would be located near Shrewsbury Sports Village in Sundorne.

Liz Welsh, of Shropshire Primary Care Trust, said she hoped the plans would be given approval by planners in June or July with building work beginning shortly after.

She told a meeting of Harlescott and Bagley Local Joint Committee yesterday: "This is not an amalgamation of the two practices, but both will be housed in the same building.

"The plans have been submitted, the grey crested newts have found a new home and we hope to get planning permission soon.

"Then if we keep our fingers crossed we could be open in very late 2012, but more realistically early 2013."

The development will include 160 parking spaces, 34 cycle spaces and 10 disability spaces.

The centre would also provide physiotherapy, NHS dentistry and minor surgery from the site.