Long-awaited plans for the Truro Health Park development, approved by Carrick district council, will be unveiled for the public to view at an open day.

The open day is being held in the Assembly Room at the Hall for Cornwall on September 28 from 11am until 4pm.

Peter Knibbs, director of Primary Care, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly PCT, said: "These plans are really exciting and will provide a much needed, state-of-the-art heal-thcare facility in the centre of Truro offering a wide range of services to meet with local needs. I really hope people will come along and see the plans and take the opportunity to speak to those involved, give feedback and ask questions."

The new development will replace the existing unsuitable GP premises on Lemon Street and PCT accommodation currently located in The Leats. In addition to the GPs, the development will also allow for the integration of services to provide wider access to other community based health services in one location, closer to where people live.

The proposed services include minor procedures, family planning, podiatry, pharmacy, health promotion, speech and language therapy, child and family education, physiotherapy and dental services. Dedicated car parking provision will also be provided and the facility will include access for those using public transport.

Dr Andy May, a GP at 18 Lemon Street Surgery in Truro, said: "This is good news. Another substantial step has been taken towards securing Truro purpose built and up to date primary healthcare facilities. This should result in a significant improvement in services, delivered closer to people's own homes."

The development of the new facility is being led by Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust, as a partnership project for the NHS and is being developed as part of the NHS LIFT (Local Improvement Finance Trust) initiative in Cornwall by the county's LIFTco, Community 1st Cornwall Limited, in which the PCT is a shareholder.

To date more than £8 million has been invested in health and support services infrastructure through the LIFT programme, with a further £35 million of investment currently proposed for the development of four new health and community facilities at various locations across the County. These schemes will allow the Primary Care Trust to deliver more community based services.