A well-known Victorian Lancaster building is set to be reborn as a healthcare hub and pharmacy serving the local community. After being closed for over a decade, the former Bensons for Beds store on Brock Street had raised concerns due to its deteriorating condition. However, recent renovation and building work sparked speculation about its future, and it has now been confirmed that it will become a new pharmacy and healthcare hub.
Husband and wife team Tariq and Nabila Malik, who have been practising pharmacists in Lancaster for over 20 years, revealed the news. They will be moving and expanding services from their two established city centre pharmacies into the newly renovated Oddfellows Hall, which was originally built in 1844.
The Maliks’ pharmacy, which relocated from Ullswater Road to Dalton Square in 2007, quickly earned a reputation for accessibility, friendly and experienced staff, and a wide range of healthcare services. These services are set to continue and expand further at the new premises on Brock Street. Nabila Malik expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “It’s the biggest project we’ve ever been involved in, but the whole team are really excited about bringing this heritage building back to life, making more services even more easily accessible to our community.”
The new facility will feature four consulting rooms for confidential conversations, cholesterol and blood pressure checks, smoking cessation support, and other health services. One room will be exclusively dedicated to travel vaccinations. Nabila Malik, the only independent pharmacist in Lancaster town centre qualified to offer travel vaccinations, will continue to provide travel advice and inoculations for various destinations.
All staff and services from the current Dalton Square and King Street pharmacies will transfer to the new Brock Street location, which will open on Monday, 4th November. The new pharmacy, to be named Brock Street Pharmacy (Health and Travel Clinic), will operate seven days a week, offering on-the-spot services aimed at alleviating pressure on the NHS.
Nabila Malik highlighted the importance of pharmacists in the healthcare system, noting, “Pharmacists are highly qualified, and people rely on our knowledge and understanding to assist with many healthcare queries and issues.” She also pointed out that many people are unaware that pharmacists can now provide prescription medication for common ailments such as ear infections, urinary tract infections, sore throats, sinusitis, infected insect bites, impetigo, and shingles. This service, known as ‘Pharmacy First,’ helps people feel better more quickly than waiting for GP appointments and reduces pressure on doctors.
Manager Ruth Laverty shared mixed emotions about the move, saying, “I’ll feel sad to leave this building after nearly 18 years, but there’s such excitement about starting somewhere new. We’ll still be dog friendly and this new location means the teams from both shops will be working together helping our existing customers and hopefully lots of new faces too.”
The transformation of the historic Oddfellows Hall into a new healthcare hub and pharmacy marks a significant development for the local community. With increased accessibility and a wider range of services, Brock Street Pharmacy is poised to become a cornerstone of healthcare provision in Lancaster.
