Heritage building to be reopened as health hub

The Victorian building is undergoing renovations before reopening next month

A well-known heritage building in a city is set to be restored and reopened as a healthcare hub.

The former Oddfellows Hall in central Lancaster was built in 1844 and has not been used for more than a decade.

Extensive renovations and building works have been done on the Brock Street building ahead of its expected reopening on 4 November.

It will be taken over by local couple Tariq and Nabila Malik, who will be moving their pharmacy and its subsidiary into the premises and further expanding their services.

Nabila Malik says the new facility will take pressure off GPs

Ms Malik said: “It’s the biggest project we’ve ever been involved in, but the whole team are really excited about bringing this heritage building back to life, making more services even more easily accessible to our community.”

“Four consulting rooms, for example, will give us scope for everything from confidential conversations, cholesterol and blood pressure checks, to ongoing support for giving up smoking and other health services,” she added.

Ms Malik said the new facility would take pressure off GPs in the area especially following the introduction of the Pharmacy First scheme earlier this year.

“Many don’t know we can now provide prescription medication directly for many common complaints including ear infections, UTIs, sore throats, sinusitis, infected insect bites, impetigo and shingles,” she added.