GPs joined councillors, contractors and Tom Tugendhat MP for the ‘topping out’ of our new medical centre building in Tonbridge, Kent this week.
Doctors from Tonbridge Medical Group got the chance to look down over the site as construction reaches its highest point.
The new centre will have a range of consulting and treatment rooms, a self-contained minor procedures and treatment suite, a pharmacy and an ambulance bay. It will allow Tonbridge Medical Group to better serve the growing list of patients who currently use its ageing Pembury Road and Higham Lane sites, which don’t have the space needed and currently limit the services the GP practice can provide.
The new centre will be less reliant on fossil fuels than the old buildings, generating much of its own power via solar panels on the roof and using measures such as air-source heat pumps to help reduce energy usage and so running costs.
Senior Partner at the Tonbridge Medical Group, Dr Tim Palmer, said: “It’s fantastic to finally be able to see our new facility taking form – especially from such a high vantage point! We’re really looking forward to welcoming the first patients to the new centre later this year – after so long, we will finally have the space we need to offer our patients a wider range of services all in one place.”
Tom Tugendhat MP said: “Tonbridge Medical Group’s new building will improve the availability of healthcare in south Tonbridge. I am delighted that after years of hard work by so many people we are here today, so close to completion. The centre significantly enhances the site, and I’m looking forward to the completion of this much needed facility later this year.”
Nicolas Heslop, Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council said: “After many years of seeking opportunities to bring a new medical centre in Tonbridge, I am delighted that the Tonbridge Medical Group will soon achieve its aspiration for a high quality state of the art medical facility in the town centre.
“I am especially pleased that the Borough Council was able to play its part by releasing the land that has helped realise this ambition. I would like to congratulate the Tonbridge Medical Group and all involved for their hard work in reaching today’s milestone and look forward to the day when the centre opens its doors to patients for the first time.”
Construction of the centre, which began in June 2019, is expected to be completed later this year.
Supported in NHS West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group’s GP Estates Strategy, the new medical centre is being built by Folkestone-based contractor Jenner and funded by specialist primary care property company Assura, which will be the building’s long-term owner. Ahead of the building’s scheduled completion later this year, a dedicated microsite has also been launched at www.assuratonbridge.com to provide further information.
Our Senior Development Manager, Jon Webb, added: “Topping out is always a very special milestone to reach and we’re delighted that so many of the people who’ve helped to create the facilities of the future for Tonbridge patients are here to share it. The social impact of this much-needed new community facility is going to be positive and far-reaching.””
Dean Elvidge, Pre-Construction Director from Jenner presented the practice with a potted tree to mark the occasion and said: “It is a pleasure to be progressing forward with another project for our valued client Assura to deliver fit-for-purpose, modern healthcare facilities to the town. As an acknowledgement of our green consciousness and long-term commitment to future generations, we are donating a topiary tree to remain on site. This ties into past traditions of ‘topping out’ and reflects our sustainable approach to construction.”
Images courtesy of Snughorne Photography and Steve Mayes