A MAJOR redevelopment scheme for Seaford has been approved.

The Downs Leisure Centre will be improved and a new healthcare hub built as part of the £19 million plans for a site off Sutton Road.

A convenience store, flats, a mini sports pitch and extra parking spaces are also included.

Lewes District Council approved the funds on Monday.

Councillor in charge of finance Bill Giles said: “This will deliver a lasting legacy we can all be proud of.”

Seaford’s two GP surgeries have been struggling to cope with the demand of the town’s growing and ageing population.

The new building will include facilities for 21 GPs, with support nursing and admin teams and extra facilities such as operating suites for minor surgery.

East Sussex Healthcare Trust would look to provide its community health and out-of-hospital teams from the centre.

Councillor Paul Franklin said: “This is an extremely exciting project.”

The Downs 60+ Club, which has a long lease to Age Concern for its current home on the site, would be moved into the leisure centre.

The car park areas would be extended to provide a minimum of 270 spaces, compared to the approximately 106 currently provided.

Concerns were raised that this still might not be enough parking.

The council previously set aside £1.5 million to develop the scheme to the planning stage, bringing the total cost to £18.7 million.