A planning application for a new ‘stateof- the-art’ training centre at Eastwood Park in Falfield, South Gloucestershire has been granted, ‘after four years of investment, planning, reviews, surveys and detailed development work’, the directors of the independent healthcare training business have announced.
John Thatcher, CEO, said: “This is a significant step for those throughout the NHS, private healthcare, and commercial sectors, who visit us for training, for our staff, and for the business’s future. The new centre will enable us to provide the latest facilities we need to ensure the continued high level of specialist training we deliver, both in the UK, and internationally.” A major redevelopment will see the current 1930s-built facilities, spread throughout the 200-acre country estate, replaced by one new 2,546 m2 two-storey centre. Eastwood Park says it will be the world’s only one of its kind, with simulated hospital learning environments providing authentic surroundings ‘crucial’ for practical training. The building will enable full access to its lift mechanisms, plant rooms, service networks, and roof areas, creating opportunities to provide practical demonstrations in a realistic built environment. It will also feature a 60-seat refectory, coffee lounge, reception, and administration offices. Site preparation work will start in the next few months.
