A NEW £8m centre, at the heart of a scheme to regenerate a south Merseyside estate, has opened its doors.

The Halewood Centre brings together a range of Knowsley Council, NHS Knowsley and community services under one roof, and is the culmination of a project spanning more than two years.

It includes 30 public services, including a Knowsley Council One Stop Shop, a new library, three GP surgeries, a community dentist, and pharmacy services.

Other services range from a Post Office, to Knowsley Housing Trust, Knowsley Works Plus and other NHS services such as diabetes, heart and blood services.

Halewood Town Council is now based there, as is Halewood Credit Union, and Halewood Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

Rosemary Hawley, chair of NHS Knowsley, said: “With such a comprehensive range of health and community services, the benefits and convenience this centre will bring local people are immeasurable.

“This is a landmark in the development of Halewood. This centre will provide local people with access to essential services in their community, meaning people will have the best health treatment and community facilities on their doorstep.”

Cllr Ken Keith, Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for corporate and customer services, said: “This is much more than a new building – residents will benefit from the joined-up way all the organisations based there are working together.”