Cranbrook's Baker Street Mall will become a one-stop professional medical centre opening later this year.
New Dawn Developments has formed an affiliated business to purchase the mall in downtown Cranbrook which has been under utilized since Giant Tiger closed in December 2012.
While plans are still being confirmed, the 55,000 square foot Baker Street Professional Centre will contain two family practice clinics, a physiotherapy practice and a pharmacy.
There will be space in the clinics to bring another four or five doctors to the community.
"We are very excited about the redevelopment of the Baker Street Mall and are actively working on securing tenants for the currently vacant spaces," said Chad Jensen, president of New Dawn and the Baker Street Professional Centre.
"This project will bring together various practices within the healthcare community, along with retail spaces focused on healthcare."
Jensen said negotiations to purchase the mall began last April, and the developer took possession last week, on January 31, 2014.
Renovations will begin as soon as city permits are in place and the first stage is expected to open in summer 2014.
The location was chosen because it is close to both downtown and the regional hospital, Jensen explained.
"The development provides ample parking and full accessibility, with close proximity to public transit and the hospital," he said.
The new health centre will help revitalize this part of downtown Cranbrook, he went on.
"As our city and our healthcare industry expand, Baker Street Professional Centre will play a valuable role in ensuring adequate facilities for doctors, specialists and related healthcare providers," said Jensen.
More details about the development will be reported by the Townsman as they are determined.