In a stunning display of what happens when local government actually does something useful, a cluster of empty and under-used buildings in East Sussex has been magically transformed into a £21m modern health hub. Wellbeing Square in Newhaven, which brings together primary care, community wellbeing and leisure services under one roof, officially opened on Thursday, because apparently that's what happens when you have a vision and a budget.

The project, led by Lewes District Council, promises to 'deliver a high-quality, modern healthcare environment that residents so richly deserve' - which raises the question of what residents did to deserve it in the first place. Council leader Zoe Nicholson, in a statement that could double as a campaign slogan, called the venue a 'major milestone in the history of the town'. 'Not only is it transformational for people living in Newhaven but is also central to our wider regeneration plans,' she added, presumably while adjusting a hard hat.

The completed scheme includes two state-of-the-art GP practices, a new pharmacy, an extension to Seah Swim & Fitness Centre (operated by Wave Active, in case you were worried about who's running the laps), and a creative/co-working space for all your synergy needs. The council's plan is to create an environment where healthcare, wellbeing, and community services can be delivered side-by-side, which sounds suspiciously like the future of public services.

And the numbers are impressive: the two GP surgeries combined will serve more than 15,000 local residents, with more than 5,500 appointments offered on the site each month. That's a lot of stethoscopes and tongue depressors. Dr Paul Moore, a GP at Quayside Medical Practice, offered the profound insight that 'We are encouraging people to be as healthy as they can,' and says the hub will reinforce the message that 'your GP is there for you' - which is reassuring, unless you're a hypochondriac with a new symptom every five minutes.

Allison Cannon, chief nursing officer for NHS Sussex and Surrey, is positively giddy about the neighborhood approach. 'This is exactly the kind of neighbourhood approach we want to see more of across Surrey and Sussex,' she said, noting that 'It's where health services, local partners and communities come together to help people stay well, tackle health inequalities and support healthier lives.' Because nothing says 'healthcare revolution' like a shared parking lot.

In related news, a community centre in the area got £150k for 'vital upgrades', grants are being doled out to boost footfall in a 'tired' town centre, and a 'visionary restaurateur' is being sought for a seafront site. Because if there's one thing Newhaven needs, it's more visionaries and fewer empty buildings.