The RICS Awards showcase the most inspirational regional initiatives and developments in land, property, construction and the environment, with the Infrastructure category recognising projects that deliver essential facilities and services.

Werneth Primary Care Centre delivers a wide range of health services in a state-of-the-art environment. In addition, the building incorporates a number of innovative sustainable design solutions in order to minimise its initial and ongoing impact on the environment.

The new building will adjoin and fully integrate with the existing Fitton Hill Neighbourhood Centre, which opened at the end of February, and will provide GP services in a brand new, purpose-built facility. It will replace the temporary modular building on Deanshut Lane which has been housing the GP practice until a permanent facility is developed.

The new centre should be complete in early 2013. Further information will be provided once construction work commences on site.

The centre has been shortlisted in the Partnerships Awards ‘Best Sustainability in a Project’ category, which recognises outstanding sustainable outcomes in a project.

The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on 31st May in London.

The award was presented to the contractors, Willmott Dixon Construction Limited, during a ceremony at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester on 14th March.

Werneth Primary Care Centre incorporates a number of innovative sustainable design solutions in order to minimise its initial and ongoing impact on the environment, and Community 1st Oldham is delighted that these features have been recognised by the judges of the Greenbuild Awards.

The results will be announced at the awards ceremony on 9th May.

The new centre, next to Medlock Valley Primary School on Fircroft Road, houses a new state-of the-art library and youth centre.

Councillor Hugh McDonald, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Families, Leisure and Culture said: “The new centre is a credit to the area and I hope as many residents as possible take advantage of this great facility that is now on their doorstep. Residents of all ages have been involved since the inception of the scheme and this co-operative way of working has delivered a neighbourhood centre which will make a real difference to the community.”

The centre will be open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights to offer a range of activities and services for young people, including senior and junior youth clubs and intergenerational projects.

The venue boasts a central open area with a coffee bar, dance and activity room, computer access and an arts and crafts room. The young people will enjoy a teen room which is accessible from both sides of the building and offers the opportunity to watch films, read books, play games and take part in activities. In addition there will be 16 public access computers, compared to six in the old library.

To mark the opening of the new library a number of fun, informative and advice sessions have been arranged. These include the following:

• Stories and Rhymes (0-5 years) – every Monday 10-11am
• Bounce and Rhymes (0-18 months) – every Wednesday 2-3pm
• Mad Science – Our World in Motion (to celebrate National Science and Engineering week) (5-11 years) – Monday 12 March 4- 5.30pm
• Citizens Advice Sessions – Alternate Fridays 1.30-4pm

The centre was developed on behalf of Oldham Council and New Deal for Communities by Community 1st Oldham. Neil Charlesworth, Director of Community 1st Oldham said: “Community 1st is proud to have worked with our local partners to deliver this important facility for the Fitton Hill community. It is exciting to see this development complete and providing local people with access to a range of services in an innovative new building.”

For more information about library opening times call 0161 633 2011 or email fittonhill.library@oldham.gov.uk

The centre is a finalist in the ‘Technical Innovation of the Year – Projects’ category which is awarded to the project that has demonstrated the most innovative approach to the design and application of building controls in a single project.

The results will be announced at the awards ceremony on 10th May.

Werneth Primary Care Centre provides the opportunity for patients in Werneth to access a wide range of health services in a state-of-the-art environment. In addition, the building incorporates a number of innovative sustainable design solutions in order to minimise its initial and ongoing impact on the environment.

The awards showcase the most inspirational regional initiatives and developments in land, property, construction and the environment, and the winners will be announced at a ceremony on 3rd May at Lancashire County Cricket Club.

The level 3 BTEC National Diploma and pre-degree students have created a series of bright and eye catching photos and collages that will be displayed on the centre’s walls to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere for patients.

The group of 12 students was tasked with taking photographs of the local area, which will be turned into A1 prints.  Scenes include Werneth Park, St Thomas’ Church and other local buildings and landmarks with interesting architectural features.

Following this, the students worked with children from St Thomas C of E Primary School in Werneth to create six large and colourful collages.  These are themed around healthy eating, the outdoors and interesting shapes.

Amanda Walker, Arts Manager at The Oldham College said:  “This project has offered a great opportunity for students at the college.  Not only have they developed their own skills, but also those of local children.

“The finished products really are fabulous and I hope they brighten the day of people visiting Werneth Primary Care Centre.”

Shauna Dixon, NHS Oldham’s locality director, commented:  “I would like to thank the students from The Oldham College and St Thomas Primary School for producing such fantastic and eye catching pieces of work.  They really will brighten up the centre and help to create a welcoming atmosphere for our patients.”

The pieces of art will go on display around Werneth Primary Care Centre in the next few weeks.