Ambitious plans to create an 18-bed community hospital on the site of a former Bradford school are one step closer to reality.

The Newlands Partnership Board has acquired land at Eccleshill Upper School and building work on the project is set to begin in March and be ready by March 2003.

The facility aims to bring healthcare closer to residents in North Bradford as well as spark new jobs and regeneration.

Further services are now planned for the site, including a GP practice, pharmacy, walk-in centre and joint projects with Social Services.

Lesley Hill, deputy chief executive of North Bradford Primary Care Trust, said the facilities should even prevent some residents having to go to hospital.

"We feel it is important that, when the situation allows, patients in North Bradford are treated as close to their home as possible - in particular, more elderly patients who can receive the treatment they need in the area they live, close to family and friends," she said.

The new hospital is one of three planned for the district to replace outdated facilities at St Catherine's Hospital and Stoney Ridge Hospital.

A total of £1.2 million has been allocated to Bradford Community Health NHS Trust to improve privacy, dignity and single sex accommodation in line with Government policy.

Newlands Partnership Board chairman Councillor Bob Sowman said the regeneration was now becoming a practical reality.

"It brings much needed resources in terms of jobs, community services and healthcare into the heart of the community," he said.

"We can now look forward to a rebuilding of community spirit and positive achievements."

Bernie Joseph, local resident and member of Ravenscliffe Disabled Group, added: "A purpose-built centre on the Eccleshill Upper School site will mean we will have all the health services right on our doorstep - something Ravenscliffe and Greengates have needed desperately for a long time."