The council that runs services across Lewes District has formally opened Wellbeing Square in Newhaven, a purpose‑built health and community hub that brings primary care, leisure and supporting services under one roof.
Council converts underused town‑centre buildings into health hub
Lewes District Council led the £21 million project, transforming a group of formerly vacant or under‑used properties into a modern facility intended to strengthen local healthcare provision and contribute to town centre regeneration.
The completed scheme includes:
- Two state‑of‑the‑art GP practices to replace older premises previously used by local surgeries;
- A new pharmacy to support dispensing and medicines access;
- An extension to Seahaven Swim & Fitness Centre, operated by Wave Active, expanding leisure and exercise provision;
- Creative and co‑working space aimed at supporting community groups and small enterprises.
Council leaders say the hub is intended both to improve direct services and to play a wider role in Newhaven’s town‑centre renewal.
"Opening Wellbeing Square and giving life to this fantastic new health hub is a major milestone in the history of the town and very proud moment for Lewes District Council," said Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council.
Councillor Nicholson described the new centre as delivering the "high‑quality, modern healthcare environment that residents so richly deserve," and said the project was "transformational for people living in Newhaven" and integral to wider regeneration plans.
Practical improvements for patients and staff
Lewes District Council said the two GP surgeries previously operated from ageing and increasingly unsuitable buildings. The new premises provide additional consultation and treatment rooms, improved reception and waiting areas, and enhanced staff facilities — features expected to ease pressures caused by rising demand for local primary care.
Allison Cannon, Chief Nursing Officer for Sussex and Surrey, said: "The opening of Wellbeing Square is a significant milestone for local people and a fantastic example of what we can achieve when..."
The council has emphasised partnership working in delivering the scheme, citing collaboration with healthcare providers, leisure operators and local stakeholders to bring services together in one central location.
What this means for Newhaven and the wider district
For residents, the hub is intended to reduce the need to travel for routine care and to concentrate multiple services in a single, accessible site in Newhaven town centre. For the council, the project represents an attempt to make better use of town‑centre property assets while addressing both health and economic priorities.
Local leisure provision is also being updated. The extension to Seahaven Swim & Fitness Centre, operated by Wave Active, will offer increased capacity for classes, swimming and community activities — aspects that contribute to wider public health goals.
| Feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Cost | £21 million |
| Components | Two GP practices, pharmacy, leisure centre extension, creative/co‑working space |
| Operator (leisure) | Wave Active (Seahaven Swim & Fitness Centre) |
Council statements portray the hub as a long‑term investment in local services and town‑centre vitality. Residents and community groups will now be watching how the new facilities operate in practice, and whether the consolidation of services improves access and outcomes for patients across Newhaven and the surrounding parts of Lewes District.
The official opening took place on Thursday, 3 September, with council leaders and local officials present to mark the completion of the redevelopment.
