Greenhithe Medical Centre delayed until 2028 – next council will inherit delivery

The long-awaited Greenhithe Medical Centre has suffered another setback, with its expected opening pushed back to summer 2028. The delay means the project will now be delivered under the administration elected to Dartford Borough Council in May 2027.

The estimated cost of the development has also increased significantly, rising from £8.2 million in January 2025 to more than £10 million.

Reform UK councillor Michael Brown has welcomed the prospect of improved healthcare facilities for Greenhithe but questioned the rising costs and continued delays.

"The people of Greenhithe have been waiting far too long for healthcare infrastructure to catch up with the thousands of new homes built in the area. The medical centre is badly needed, but residents are entitled to expect better progress and greater certainty over when it will actually open."

REVISED DESIGN ADDRESSES CONCERNS

There is, however, some potentially positive news regarding the appearance of the proposed building.

The original three-storey design attracted criticism from residents concerned about its bulky, overbearing appearance and its impact on the surrounding streetscape.

Revised plans have now been submitted which seek to temper the building's appearance, particularly around the upper storey and roofline facing St Clements Way.

Cllr Brown commented:

"The original design was widely regarded by residents as an objectionable eyesore, completely out of keeping with its surroundings. The revised proposals appear to be a step in the right direction, reducing some of the visual hostility of the building.

"A new medical centre should be something the community can welcome, not simply another large, unattractive building imposed on Greenhithe."

ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A GROWING COMMUNITY

The proposed medical centre is expected to provide 14 consulting and examination rooms, four treatment rooms and a minor surgery unit, with capacity for approximately 150,000 appointments annually.

The additional capacity is particularly important given the substantial housing development experienced across Greenhithe and the surrounding area.

However, questions remain over the project's timetable, escalating costs and outstanding NHS funding approvals.

Construction is now expected to begin in early 2027, with completion targeted for summer 2028.

Cllr Brown added:

"Too often, housing development comes first while the infrastructure needed to support those new residents follows years later.

"Greenhithe needs this medical centre, and it needs it delivered without further unnecessary delays. The next council administration will inherit responsibility for seeing the project through, and residents will rightly expect it to deliver.

"The revised design is encouraging, but ultimately what matters is a medical centre that provides the services local people need, represents value for money and is an asset to the community rather than an eyesore."