Hundreds of jobs are set to be created when a multi-million pound large scale, 'one-stop' health care facility is built in Co Antrim.

The aim is to build the £16 million community health village in Ballyclare with the firm behind the proposal having just submitted a planning application for a 9,500 square metre modern facility at Craighill.

Northern Ireland healthcare company Primacure said that the complex will bring 240 jobs to the area through a range of healthcare facilities tailored to local needs.

Primacure wants to create the facility within a retirement village, plans for which have already been lodged by another company, MAR Properties.

Announcing the major project, the company said the health village would bring "much-needed additional health and wellbeing services to the community."

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Primacure is currently consulting with local GPs with a view to incorporating a community medical practice within the complex.

The company's Chief Executive, Mark Gordon, said the plan is to focus on various aspects of elderly care, including day care, dementia care and a community nursing facility.

Primacacure envisages that day surgery, community beds, diagnostics such as imaging, screening, endoscopy, and physiotherapy would be provided.

The spacious and purpose-built premises at Ballycorr Road, less than half-a-mile from the town centre, would also include a crèche, restaurant, and other retail outlets, with the aim of creating a "community hub" feel to the project.

Mr Gordon said he was confident that, on receipt of planning permission, the company would be ready to start construction immediately.

He told the Newtownabbey Times that the building should be completed "within six to nine months."

"We have done our homework and this will be a high-calibre design, as part of a long-term commitment.

"Initially we looked at 96 possible sites across Northern Ireland, and Ballyclare was one of the ones we chose because it is a growing town and part of a larger area, Newtownabbey, which is also growing."

Mr Gordon added: "The concept of community health villages is unique to Northern Ireland. We plan to develop up to 16 bespoke villages to give people greater choice and convenience in accessing healthcare."

(BMcC)