PLANS for new healthcare facilities and housing at a former school site in Wareham have taken a step forward.

Dorset Council officials and NHS representatives co-hosted an event to show options for the project, which is part of the council's 'Building Better Lives' scheme and is earmarked for the former Wareham Middle School site.

Under the scheme, Dorset Council says, local authority-owned land will be developed for new housing and services for local communities.

The proposed scheme in Wareham will include new health and GP services, extra care housing, supported living – offering care for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions – recreational areas, and a range of affordable housing available to rent and buy through the open market.

Dorset Council adult care social care and health portfolio holder Cllr Laura Miller said: "Rather than simply selling off council owned land to big property developers, we are focussing on providing much-needed housing and health and care services for local residents in Wareham.

"I’d like to thank Wareham Town Council and colleagues from the NHS for working with us in partnership to develop these proposals, and we look forward to continuing work on this exciting scheme.”

The new health and care hub will host all the services currently available at Wareham Hospital, plus the opportunity to develop additional clinics and services.

It will also integrate with the town’s GP practice – creating a more seamless, ‘one-stop shop’ for local residents, says Dorset Council.

A council spokesman added: "High-quality, temporary housing units will be installed on the old middle school site for the first stage of the scheme. This will be available to local people with learning disabilities who are currently living in accommodation which doesn’t suit their needs, while more permanent properties are being built on site.

"The meeting brought together stakeholders and partners and we are planning public information sessions along with Wareham Town Council and Friends of Wareham Hospital."

Planning permission will be sought towards the end of 2019, with work to begin on site and a public meeting planned for spring 2020.

Dorset Council says is anticipated that the first phase of work will complete towards late 2021.