Cobridge scoops top award for its dedication to the community

The primary and community care facility, which opened in October 2011 and includes pioneering sexual health services, was put forward for the awards by Prime, private sector development partner in local LIFTCo, Prima 200. Beating off stiff competition from the newly opened Library of Birmingham and the Birmingham LGBT Health & Wellbeing Centre, Cobridge Community Health Centre was described by the judges as having “immense” benefits for the local area. The health centre will now go forward to represent the West Midlands in the national RICS Awards in October competing against projects from across the UK.

The RICS Awards showcase the most inspirational regional initiatives and developments in land, property and construction, celebrating the achievements of professionals working in both the built and natural environment.

Cobridge Community Health Centre was developed by Prime and its in-house design team One Creative Environments Ltd. The development was an important scheme for the local community, who had campaigned for years to transform the derelict site in the heart of their neighbourhood. Local residents, staff and patients were all central to the design, ensuring the new health centre was well supported and met the needs of the people who would be using it.

Steve Sprackling, Development Director at Prime said; “We were up against strong competition in the Community Benefit award category, including some of the most innovative new and regeneration projects in the West Midlands so we are thrilled to have topped the group. When we were developing the scheme, we put the needs of the Cobridge community at the very heart of the project, and we are delighted that this has gained recognition both within the community and externally.”

Cobridge Community Health Centre was commissioned by NHS Stoke on Trent and delivered by Prima 200 through the Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) programme – a public private partnership with Prime and Community Health Partnerships, who is also the centre’s head tenant.

Nick Pritchard, Local Area Team Co-ordinator for NHS Property Services in Shropshire and Staffordshire, who currently manage the day to day operations of the health centre on behalf of Community Health Partnerships (CHP), said: “We are very pleased to see Cobridge Health Centre win an award. To win an accolade is a great achievement and great recognition for the whole team that worked so hard to deliver this project. This fantastic facility has helped to greatly improve and transform health services and facilities for local patients. It has, as originally intended, stimulated the regeneration of the area and successfully engaged local residents, schools and community groups.”

Dr Sarah Raper, Community Health Partnerships Executive Director commented: “I am very pleased that Cobridge Community Health Centre has received this commendation, the award recognises the partnership’s commitment to transforming the estate for the benefit of the local community.”