A prominent building on the edge of Perth, formerly known as the Broxden Farm restaurant, is poised for a significant repurposing, with plans firmly in motion to convert it into a private healthcare facility. This development follows the restaurant’s closure in November 2024, a mere six years after its opening by the pub chain Greene King, marking a new chapter for the site.
The proposal outlines the establishment of a modern private clinic, a move that has garnered attention from local residents and healthcare observers alike. Perth and Kinross Council has given a crucial early green light, confirming to applicant John Elder that such a change of use falls within the scope of permitted development regulations, thereby circumventing the need for a full planning application process. This decision streamlines the path for the transformation, focusing efforts on the internal layout and operational setup of the new medical centre. Addressing Healthcare Accessibility in Perth and Kinross
Building Design Partnership (BDP), acting as the agent for these ambitious plans, brings considerable experience from an array of global ventures, including high-profile projects like Everton FC’s new stadium. BDP’s senior town planner, Antonia May, highlighted the pressing need for such a facility in her submission to the local authority. She articulated that the new clinic would provide Perth and Kinross residents with “important healthcare services not currently available without travelling into Perth city centre.” This statement underscores a common challenge for many in larger geographical areas – the centralisation of essential services.
May further elaborated on this point, noting, “The majority of healthcare centres and GP surgeries are located within Perth city centre.” This observation reinforces the strategic value of establishing a new clinic in the Broxden area, which serves as a significant gateway to Perth and a growing residential and commercial hub. The establishment of a local healthcare facility here could substantially reduce travel burdens for residents living on the city’s outskirts and in surrounding rural communities, improving overall access to timely medical care. Broxden Farm Clinic: A Detailed Vision for Modern Medical Services
The proposed facility, to be known as Broxden Farm Clinic, is intended to be operated by an independent private healthcare provider. Detailed planning documents shed light on the extensive range of services envisioned for the centre. The ground floor layout is designed to be a comprehensive diagnostic and consultation hub. It is set to feature seven dedicated consultation rooms, offering space for general medical appointments and specialist assessments. Complementing these will be an array of advanced diagnostic imaging suites, including an X-ray room for general radiography, an ultrasound room for soft tissue imaging, a mammography room for breast screening, and a state-of-the-art MRI scanning room for detailed internal examinations. A plant room will also be situated on this level to house essential mechanical and electrical equipment, ensuring the smooth operation of these sophisticated medical technologies.
The upper floor of the clinic will primarily serve administrative and staff support functions. Plans include two well-appointed administrative offices, vital for managing patient records, appointments, and overall clinic operations. Two additional plant rooms will be located on this floor, providing further infrastructure support, potentially for climate control or specialized equipment. Crucially, staff changing rooms are also incorporated into the upper level design, emphasizing the comfort and convenience of the medical personnel who will be working at the facility. From Restaurant Disputes to Community Healthcare Hub
The site at Broxden has a history of engaging the local community in planning discussions. Before its incarnation as a restaurant, the development faced a protracted planning dispute. During that period, local residents and stakeholders had advocated for the site to be designated for office space, reflecting different visions for the area’s commercial and public utility. The eventual opening of the Greene King restaurant in March 2018 marked the resolution of that particular debate, though the establishment’s relatively short operational life underscores the dynamic nature of commercial ventures in the region.
The closure of the Broxden Farm restaurant by Greene King last year was not accompanied by a public explanation, leaving many to speculate on the reasons behind its short tenure. However, its vacancy has now paved the way for this new, potentially vital community asset. The transformation into a healthcare clinic represents a significant shift in the site’s function, from a leisure and hospitality venue to a facility dedicated to public well-being.
This initiative aligns with broader trends in healthcare provision, where the demand for accessible, localized medical services continues to grow. For the residents of Broxden and the wider Perth and Kinross area, the establishment of a modern clinic could mark a considerable improvement in healthcare infrastructure. It reflects a strategic response to the geographical distribution of existing services, aiming to decentralise access and bring essential medical care closer to the communities that need it most. The next steps will likely involve detailed architectural planning and internal fit-out, as the project moves closer to becoming a tangible asset for Perth’s health landscape.
The proposal outlines the establishment of a modern private clinic, a move that has garnered attention from local residents and healthcare observers alike. Perth and Kinross Council has given a crucial early green light, confirming to applicant John Elder that such a change of use falls within the scope of permitted development regulations, thereby circumventing the need for a full planning application process. This decision streamlines the path for the transformation, focusing efforts on the internal layout and operational setup of the new medical centre. Addressing Healthcare Accessibility in Perth and Kinross
Building Design Partnership (BDP), acting as the agent for these ambitious plans, brings considerable experience from an array of global ventures, including high-profile projects like Everton FC’s new stadium. BDP’s senior town planner, Antonia May, highlighted the pressing need for such a facility in her submission to the local authority. She articulated that the new clinic would provide Perth and Kinross residents with “important healthcare services not currently available without travelling into Perth city centre.” This statement underscores a common challenge for many in larger geographical areas – the centralisation of essential services.
May further elaborated on this point, noting, “The majority of healthcare centres and GP surgeries are located within Perth city centre.” This observation reinforces the strategic value of establishing a new clinic in the Broxden area, which serves as a significant gateway to Perth and a growing residential and commercial hub. The establishment of a local healthcare facility here could substantially reduce travel burdens for residents living on the city’s outskirts and in surrounding rural communities, improving overall access to timely medical care. Broxden Farm Clinic: A Detailed Vision for Modern Medical Services
The proposed facility, to be known as Broxden Farm Clinic, is intended to be operated by an independent private healthcare provider. Detailed planning documents shed light on the extensive range of services envisioned for the centre. The ground floor layout is designed to be a comprehensive diagnostic and consultation hub. It is set to feature seven dedicated consultation rooms, offering space for general medical appointments and specialist assessments. Complementing these will be an array of advanced diagnostic imaging suites, including an X-ray room for general radiography, an ultrasound room for soft tissue imaging, a mammography room for breast screening, and a state-of-the-art MRI scanning room for detailed internal examinations. A plant room will also be situated on this level to house essential mechanical and electrical equipment, ensuring the smooth operation of these sophisticated medical technologies.
The upper floor of the clinic will primarily serve administrative and staff support functions. Plans include two well-appointed administrative offices, vital for managing patient records, appointments, and overall clinic operations. Two additional plant rooms will be located on this floor, providing further infrastructure support, potentially for climate control or specialized equipment. Crucially, staff changing rooms are also incorporated into the upper level design, emphasizing the comfort and convenience of the medical personnel who will be working at the facility. From Restaurant Disputes to Community Healthcare Hub
The site at Broxden has a history of engaging the local community in planning discussions. Before its incarnation as a restaurant, the development faced a protracted planning dispute. During that period, local residents and stakeholders had advocated for the site to be designated for office space, reflecting different visions for the area’s commercial and public utility. The eventual opening of the Greene King restaurant in March 2018 marked the resolution of that particular debate, though the establishment’s relatively short operational life underscores the dynamic nature of commercial ventures in the region.
The closure of the Broxden Farm restaurant by Greene King last year was not accompanied by a public explanation, leaving many to speculate on the reasons behind its short tenure. However, its vacancy has now paved the way for this new, potentially vital community asset. The transformation into a healthcare clinic represents a significant shift in the site’s function, from a leisure and hospitality venue to a facility dedicated to public well-being.
This initiative aligns with broader trends in healthcare provision, where the demand for accessible, localized medical services continues to grow. For the residents of Broxden and the wider Perth and Kinross area, the establishment of a modern clinic could mark a considerable improvement in healthcare infrastructure. It reflects a strategic response to the geographical distribution of existing services, aiming to decentralise access and bring essential medical care closer to the communities that need it most. The next steps will likely involve detailed architectural planning and internal fit-out, as the project moves closer to becoming a tangible asset for Perth’s health landscape.