Aberdeenshire Council has given the green light for a mixed-use development to be built in Inverurie, Scotland. The new Garioch Life Centre (GLC) will replace the town's existing, facilities at the nearby Inverurie Health Centre.

The 1.2 hectare town centre project was designed by Michael Gilmour Associates, in collaboration with the developers Carden Medical Investments, which will be privately funding the project.

As a mixed-use development it will include a health centre, retail units and a central multi-functional atrium space with café to encourage the community to socialise in a 'healthy lifestyle environment'. The centre will also boast a 15m swimming and hydrotherapy pool as well as a health suite and small gym.

These facilities will be complemented by the nearby Inverurie swimming and leisure centre, as well as a dual-use junior football pitch, part of the adjacent Inverurie Academy.

The health centre will enable access to consulting and treatment rooms, managed by 17 doctors and nurses, three NHS dentists, chiropodists, dieticians and a midwifery as well as ante and post natal services.

The 'complete multi-purpose Primary Care, Health and Community Care system' will also accommodate health visitors, district, community and practice nurses, occupational health and home care staff, as well as voluntary sector support teams.

Ian Tannock, director of Carden Medical Investments, said: "We are delighted to be involved in such an exciting project. The concept of the Garioch Life Centre will make this an exemplary building for healthcare and a perfect example of public private sector working.

"The centre will be a positive addition to Inverurie, and will improve the town's amenities. It is our intention to integrate many related functions under one roof in a disabled-friendly, energy efficient and easily accessible centre, which will be one of the first of its kind in Scotland."

The centre already includes the 50 per cent expansion space required by the regional NHS Grampian, which means that no future expansion plans will be necessary.

The future of the existing Inverurie Health Centre is not yet determined but will remain in the hands of the NHS.