Following Expedite’s appointment as Employer’s Agent on the Two Rivers Medical Centre in Ipswich in May 2014, the project is taking shape.

Developed by Apollo, which finances and develops purpose-designed primary care premises, the new state-of-the-art medical facility takes the place of West Villa, a former Hostel that was vacated by Ipswich Borough Council in early June. It will serve approximately 25,000 local residents and provide a mix of accommodation, including consultation and treatment suites, a minor operations suite and GP training facilities.

Apollo has now entered into legal agreements with the Local Authority to secure land for the development and, in conjunction with Ipswich-based KLH Architects, have also lodged a planning application for the development. It is anticipated that a decision will be made by the Local Authority Planning Department in September.

Apollo will invest over £6m in the delivery of the new facility and it is anticipated that once planning consent is obtained for the development proposals, construction will commence in early 2015 with completion expected in spring 2016.

Dr Jonathan Knight, lead GP for the two practices for the project, said: “We are excited about the prospect of being able to serve our patients from better accommodation. In particular we will have a building that allows full accessibility, properly equipped treatment and consulting rooms, the ability to provide a wider range of medical services and space to provide health education and training.”

Expedite’s appointment stems from a strong a track record of the delivery of 5 other Medial Centres by Director Andrew Woods.