A MULTI-million pound health centre in Great Harwood was finally due to open its doors this morning.

The £3.1m facility was originally due to open in 2010 but faced several delays and was even shelved, when health chiefs said it was not affordable in the wake of the financial crisis.

Built on the old Albion Mill site in Water Street, the ‘state-of-the-art’ facility was expected to open at 9am, and will house three GP surgeries, Great Harwood Medical Group, The Royle Practice, and Drs P and H Valluri, which are based at the current, smaller health centre, slightly further up the road.

It will cater for 10,500 patients and will also feature several clinics, therapy and treatment rooms.

Services moved across from the existing health centre, which will be demolished and replaced by a car park for patients, throughout last week.

Dr Mike Ions, chief clinical officer of NHS East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group, hailed the opening as great news.

He said: “Patients in Great Harwood have waited a long time for this, but they will be getting a superb, new health centre providing state-of-the-art facilities fit for 21st century healthcare and which will help support GP commissioners in responding to the health needs of the local population.”

Andy Pratt, NHS property services project director for Great Hawood Health Centre, added: “After years of working and delivering care in a building that was designed for much smaller patient numbers, the health centre will provide an improved environment for both staff and the local residents.

“Attractive landscaping and outdoor public space for visitors and passers-by make this facility welcoming and in-keeping with the surroundings.”