North Tyneside Council has reserved just over £400,000 to invest in a GP surgery that needs replacing. The funding is set aside for Beaumont Park GP Surgery under the council’s 2026-2031 investment plan.
The £401,000 allocation was identified in an earlier investment plan as ‘Section 106’ money, meaning it comes from previous financial contributions made by developers.
Planning history and delays
In December 2023, the local authority granted planning permission for the construction of a replacement Beaumont Park Medical Centre, which is currently located on Hepscott Drive in Whitley Bay. Plans for the replacement were initially halted in May 2022 after the council refused to dispose of land at Newsteads Drive, Monkseaton, for the project, following public opposition to the loss of open space.
The decision was later reversed in November 2022 after the surgery’s NHS contract was likely to be handed back, potentially closing its patient list and forcing around 6,000 patients to find a new GP. Planning permission for the new surgery was granted in December 2023, despite 460 objections from members of the public.
NHS and practice response
NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: “This is a complex project that has unfortunately taken longer to move forward than had been hoped. The existing building is no longer suitable, and the practice team are keen to develop their new premises as soon as possible.
“So far, a developer has been identified, plans have been drawn up and agreed, and the project secured planning permission, but there have been some delays due to factors beyond our control. At this point, it is not possible to say when the new premises will be open, but we remain committed to supporting the practice with this project.”
Following previous calls for an update on the replacement facility in July, Beaumont Park Medical Group, through its website, stated: “While there is currently no confirmed opening date, we continue to work closely with NHS partners to progress the project. We understand patients are keen to see developments and will share further updates as soon as there is confirmed information available.
“In the meantime, all services continue to be provided as normal from our current practice premises on Hepscott Drive.”
North Tyneside Council was approached for comment.
