Major funding boost for new GP surgery in Great Barford
A major funding boost from NHS England for a new GP surgery in Great Barford has been announced.
NHS England has increased its contribution from £525,000 to between £600,000 and £750,000, with the final amount to be confirmed by the end of March 2026.
Great Barford’s ward councillor, Philippa Martin-Moran-Bryant (Conservative), said: “I am delighted that we have secured the final piece of funding for the Great Barford GP Surgery.
“It’s been hard won and will be transformative for the residents of Great Barford and surrounding villages.”
Tom Wootton, mayor of Bedford borough, also hailed the ‘fantastic news’.
He said: “Great Barford and Wixams residents will soon have modern, purpose-built healthcare facilities on their doorstep with more schemes coming online for Wootton, Bromham, and Kempston.”
This additional funding will cover legal fees and “mitigate potential shortfalls”, ensuring the project can “proceed without delay”.
Additional funding has also been agreed for a surgery in Wixams.
NHS England has committed between £4 million and £6.9 million from its 2025/26 underspend for Wixams, an increase from the original £600,000 Integrated Care Board capital contribution.
This investment responds to updated delivery costs of £6.9 million and will significantly reduce pressure on other funding sources, including Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy contributions.
The exact NHS England contributions for both projects will be confirmed and transferred to Bedford Borough Council by the end of March 2026, the council’s administration has said.
Once confirmed, refreshed business cases will be presented to the Executive for review, with both projects then “progressing to delivery”.