Lakes Estate residents will get a much-needed local pharmacy again, ahead of Milton Keynes Council's regeneration plans.
The estate has been without a pharmacy since Lloyds closed its doors in Serpentine Court in 2020. The area has some of the highest healthcare needs in the city and access to a local pharmacy is vital for many residents.
Councillors for Bletchley East have been working to find a solution ever since Lloyds pharmacy closed, and by working closely with residents of the Lakes Estate have supported a Milton Keynes-based pharmacy to secure a new license from the NHS for Jardines pharmacy to open in the area.
Cllr Emily Darlington said: “Losing the pharmacy at Serpentine Court was a real blow to the community and residents were incredibly worried about getting health advice and prescriptions in a pandemic. I am so pleased that Jardines have come on board and are going to build a community pharmacy at the heart of the Lakes Estate. This is so important to the health and wellbeing of the residents.”
Has Modi, Chief Executive of Jardines, added: “Being a local family healthcare business, we feel delighted to have been asked to be part of this wonderful community. Our core ethos is to help communities across Milton Keynes stay healthy and well. With strong community spirit that prevails at the Lakes I am very hopeful to have a successful health hub at the heart of this community."
The Lakes Estate will soon undergo a major regeneration project, including some of the country’s most environmentally friendly homes.
Other additions include:
- 589 green new homes, including approx. 50% council homes
- A new local centre with new shops
- An improved and enhanced Warren Park
- Street enhancements across the Lakes Estate
- Improved bus network and parking
- An onsite energy centre, which is expected to help cut the carbon footprint by 50% per household
