World-class dementia centre for Norfolk

James Boddy, owner of Colney Hall.

A world class treatment and research centre for people with dementia, brain injuries, and learning difficulties could be built in Norfolk within two years creating 500 hundred new specialist jobs.

The owner of Colney Hall, near Norwich, has struck a deal with private provider Choice Lifestyles to establish a facility for patients with neurological conditions and disabilities.

The proposed development by landowner James Boddy and Choice Lifestyles, would become an extension of the Norwich Research Park (NRP), and would further cement the area's reputation as a hub of high-level scientific research.

The major healthcare investment planned on part of the 83 acre Colney Hall estate would offer services for patients with brain injuries, dementia, learning disabilities, and a range of other neurological conditions, as well as research and associated educational facilities, and would create in excess of 500 jobs.

The facility is further evidence of the growth of the research park and surrounding area, including the University of East Anglia, and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital - which has been earmarked by policy makers as the economic engine for the county and Norfolk's answer to Cambridge's 'sillicon' valley for the vital role it will play in creating highly skilled jobs.

And it comes as Norfolk County Council is refocusing its day care centres as specialist provision for people with dementia to cope with increased demand for services as more of us are living longer.

The multi-million pound plans are in addition to a separate application for an Independent Life Centre for patients with multiple sclerosis, which will be operated by the MS Society on the Colney Hall estate.

While in May moves to create a landmark DNA research centre at the research park took a leap forward, creating hundreds more jobs, after councils agreed to pump in £3m of funding towards the project.

Robin Daniels, chief executive of the Norwich Research Park, said the scheme would complement the work of the research hub, which already employs 10,000 people, including 2,700 scientists.

“This proposed development is very significant for Norwich and the region. Building on the success of the School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice at the University of East Anglia, this will confirm Norwich as a nationally significant centre of health research and teaching.”

“This scale of inward private sector investment, at a time of severe economic slowdown is further evidence of the attractiveness of the Norwich Research Park as a world leading centre for research and innovation across a range of critical global challenges,” he said.

Mr Boddy added that the design of the 20 acre neurology centre development would be “innovative” and the range of new jobs would initially be made to people within the local community.

“My intention is to create an environment conducive to healing, self reliance and enterprise for the benefit of all our community,” he said.

An outline planning application is set to be submitted to South Norfolk Council early next year, with the first phase proposed to be ready in 2011.

Jawad Sheikh, chief executive of Choice Lifestyles, which specialises in mental health and disabilities, said the centre would liaise closely with the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norfolk NHS, and the Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health Trust to meet a “clear need.”

Daniel Cox, leader of Norfolk County Council, said the proposals were potentially “excellent news” for the long-term economy of the greater Norwich area.

“This facility will build on the significant scientific expertise which already exists within the NRP and offers real hope for the future that our goal of adding to the highly skilled workforce, which already exists in Norfolk will be realised,” he said.