Leith Walk Surgery to move to new premises

Work has begun on a new £1.17m Leith Walk Surgery meaning more patients can use the practice in the future.

An extra 2,000 patients will be added to the surgery list as a result of the move which will provide a modern and fit-for-purpose facility.

The current surgery, which is based across two different sites, will come together in an historic A-listed Edinburgh property that was once part of Leith Central Station.

Located at the bottom of Leith Walk, at the junction with Duke Street, the surgery will open to patients in spring 2017.

Rob McCulloch-Graham, Chief Officer, Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to secure these new premises for Leith Walk Surgery.

“The project will bring a twenty five per cent increase in patients registered to the surgery. The relocation to a single site and, into a building which has been designed with staff and patients, will result in improved services for local people.

“This project is another great example of partnership working and I’d like to pay particular credit to the partners in Leith Walk Surgery who have remained pragmatic throughout the design and sign-off process.”

Dr Jeremy Chowings, Leith Walk Surgery, said: “We are very excited about the move to a modern purpose designed facility that is housed in a fantastic landmark building. We believe this will help us to provide an excellent service to our patients old and new. The site of the new surgery is very close to many local amenities and good transport links.

“We would like to thank NHS Lothian for funding this project and Westerwood for undertaking the refurbishment and assisting with the planning of the project.”

Westerwood Development Group will complete the refurbishment of the surgery. They are represented on the project by commercial property advisers Bilfinger GVA.

Peter Fraser of Bilfinger GVA said: “Leith Walk Surgery will be moving into a property with a fascinating history in the heart of Leith, an area home to a growing number of prominent businesses which is well-served by local amenities and links to the nearby city centre.

“We have a further suite of circa 6,300 sq ft on the first floor of this unique building providing bright open plan accommodation with self-contained WC facilities and a generous kitchen area in situ. The remaining space is suited to a number of potential uses and we are already speaking with a number of different occupiers.”