A NEW £1.8million health centre is finally set to open in Blackburn following a two year wait.

The Infirmary Waterside Health and Wellbeing Centre was meant to launch in July 2009.

But construction stalled for 18 months because of uncertainty over the availability of funding, and questions about what services should be provided within the Infirmary Street building.

Sir Bill Taylor, Blackburn with Darwen Care Trust Plus chairman, said: “We know residents have been eagerly awaiting the opening and I am really pleased to say it will be open by July.

“It will be a fantastic facility for the people living in this much transformed area of the borough.”

The centre will be home to a new GP practice, which will eventually cater for more than 6,000 patients.

Registered patients will have access to services including medical checks, prescriptions, help for people with long-term health conditions, childhood immunisations and family planning clinics.

The Waterside surgery will be open six days a week, with extended opening hours until 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and until 12.30pm on Saturdays.

The centre held an open day in May for community members to visit the facility and meet representatives of Jalia Healthcare Limited, which will provide services at the building.

Christine Connell, Ivy Street Community Association chairman, said: “I know several people who are keen to become registered at the GP practice already.

“We look forward to working with the new GP practice as it will be an important part of the community.”

Coun Maureen Bateson, Ewood ward member, said: “It's great news for the area and another step in the Infirmary's transformation.”

Dr Iain Chorlton, a GP and a director of Jalia Healthcare Limited, said the surgery would boast new facilities and equipment with “an experienced and caring team of professionals”.