THE FATE of a town centre medical practice could be decided within the week.

As reported in last Friday's Bury Times, the Minden Medical Centre could be forced to close, as part of the Rock Triangle development.

Bury Council and developers Thornfield Properties were pursuing a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) in respect of its patient car park.

But it now appears this could be extended to include the whole of the centre, situated off The Rock, which was built just ten years ago.

But following a recent meeting, staff from the medical centre were assured by Thornfield that the future of Minden Medical Centre was safe.

The developers said they had offered to build a brand new facility for the 18,000 patients, 50 per cent larger than the existing premises, complete with a 60 dedicated patient and doctor car parking spaces.

Doctors were also offered some 35 per cent over the asking price for the property plus an additional £100,000 to cover relocation expenses. And a choice of two specific sites had been offered within the new development.

Michelle Armstrong, the group director at the Minden Medical Centre, said: "Minden Medical Centre and Thornfield Properties are currently in the middle of long and amicable discussions regarding the future of the centre, which we hope to conclude shortly.

"And once all the legalities have been concluded we will be then in a position to share more details, which we hope will be within the week."

A public inquiry is planned for November 2 to 4, giving the medical centre staff the chance to oppose the CPO if necessary.

Mill Gate owners Westfield have joined forces with Thornfield to plough money into major improvements on The Rock as part of a £150 million investment for the town centre.

Among proposals for the area around the medical centre are retail, food and drink, and leisure outlets, as well as residential properties.