New health and wellbeing integrated hub given the green light

Residents in Cricklewood, Mapesbury and beyond are set to benefit from a new Health and Wellbeing Hub, after Brent Council’s Cabinet approved plans.

Subject to planning permission, the new Hub will provide a modern, purpose-built health centre, community spaces and wellbeing amenities - all helping to tackle health inequalities and support regeneration in the surrounding area.

It will replace the Gladstone Park Youth and Community Centre, a council-owned building which would be too costly to repair, and transform the site into a sustainable community asset.

The decision unlocks up to £2.97 million in Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funding, which is a levy that allows the council to raise funds from new development in the borough.

Councillor Teo Benea, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Property said: “I am so pleased we have been able to secure almost £3 million of funding. This is a real investment in the community, improving access to care services, creating training opportunities, supporting healthier lifestyles and enhancing the local environment.”

Dr Muhammad Najim, Lead GP at Willesden Green Surgery and NHS Brent Clinical Director for Health Inequalities, said: “Far from being simply a new home for Willesden Green Surgery, this flagship Hub will offer treatments traditionally delivered in hospitals, bringing specialist care closer to home and advancing the NHS neighbourhood model. The state-of-the-art building will also be the most sustainable, lowest-carbon healthcare facility in NHS North West London.”

“Its design includes an outdoor plaza, a waiting-room café, an on-site pharmacy and a large community hall. A padel court, community garden and wellbeing studios will further support physical activity, social connection and preventative care. We are privileged to work with local community groups shaping these spaces. This vision has only been possible through the leadership of Brent Council and NHS North West London ICB.”

The Health and Wellbeing Integrated Hub will turn an underutilised, deteriorating building of the Gladstone Park Youth and Community Centre site into a modern, sustainable space for health, community, and wellbeing services. Working in partnership with the NHS and GP practice, this flagship scheme will bring new GP and primary care facilities, a community pharmacy, flexible spaces for local activities and opportunities for sport and physical activity.