Victorian Lancaster building to reopen as healthcare hub and pharmacy

The new Brock Street Pharmacy (Health and Travel Clinic) is scheduled to open on November 4

The former Bensons for Beds store on Brock Street, which has been closed for over a decade, is set to be transformed into a new healthcare hub and pharmacy for the local community.

Husband-and-wife team Tariq and Nabila Malik, practising pharmacists in Lancaster for over 20 years, have confirmed that they are relocating and expanding their services from their two existing city centre pharmacies to the historic Oddfellows Hall, built in 1844.

The couple currently operate two pharmacies—one on Dalton Square and the other on King Street.

Their new venture, Brock Street Pharmacy (Health and Travel Clinic), is scheduled to open on November 4, with the entire team from both closing pharmacies making the move.

Extensive renovation and building work have been carried out to save and restore the heritage Victorian building in recent months.

“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,” said Nabila.

Nabila shared that the new site will have four consulting rooms, which will allow them to provide a range of expanded services, including confidential consultations, cholesterol and blood pressure checks, and smoking cessation support.

One room will be dedicated solely to travel vaccinations, said Nabila, who is the only independent pharmacist qualified to offer this service in Lancaster town centre.

Nabila Malik administering travel vaccination

Brock Street Pharmacy will operate seven days a week, aiming to provide enhanced access to healthcare services and alleviate pressure on NHS providers.

With the expanded offerings, including the Pharmacy First service, it is expected to be busier than ever.

However, Nabila noted that many people are still unaware of on-the-spot services for common complaints.

“Pharmacists are highly qualified, and people rely on our knowledge and understanding to assist with many healthcare queries and issues.

“However, many don’t know we can now provide prescription medication directly for many common complaints, including ear infections, UTIs, sore throats, sinusitis, infected insect bites, impetigo and shingles,” she said.

Nabila highlighted that Pharmacy First service helps patients receive quicker care while reducing the burden on GPs.

The Maliks and their pharmacy team

Manager Ruth Laverty shared her excitement 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 Brock Street Pharmacy will offer a comprehensive range of services, including advice, consultations, over-the-counter medications, healthcare products and toiletries, prescription fulfilment, ‘Pharmacy First’ non-GP prescription medicines, travel vaccinations, plus in-house ongoing support testing, therapies and services.