First phase of Telford health centre project complete

Johnson Fellows has announced it is about to complete the first phase of a £4m new-build project for a Telford medical practice, which will provide the local community with state-of-the-art health facilities.

The Birmingham-based chartered surveyors was appointed to provide architectural design services together with project management for the complete redevelopment of Donnington Medical Practice, including feasibility, site investigation, ground stabilisation, enabling works and reconstruction in two phases.

The original building is being demolished to make way for the new facilities. The 20,000sq ft, two-storey building in Wrekin Drive, Telford, will accommodate the practice’s existing 25-strong team as well as future recruits.

The flexible layout will complement changes in medical procedures and will comprise a minor operation suite, consultation rooms, pharmacy and clinical space for the practice’s eight doctors.

The construction work is being carried out in two phases so the practice can remain operational throughout the building process. This means the existing single-storey building is being demolished in two equal parts.

Andrew Rowson, building consultancy partner at Johnson Fellows, said: “Phase one of the project is now nearing completion, but it has been difficult due to restricted site access and unprecedented severe weather conditions of recent months. Phase two, which has recently had the foundations cast and the steel frame is due for erection imminently, is due to be completed by the end of August.”

Bryan Henshall, business manager for Donnington Medical Practice, said: “We’re really pleased with how the build is progressing and, despite some minor changes to the layout, we’re excited to be able to open this new facility, as planned, later this year.”

Angie Crompton, practice manager, added: “I can see my office in the flesh now rather than on plan, which is great. The phased works have allowed the medical practice to remain open and continue caring for its 12,000 registered patients. We are very grateful to our patients for putting up with the inconvenience and owe thanks to Donnington Methodist Church for assisting with overspill car parking.

“We intend to open phase one for business on 8 July 2013 but, as phase two is still in progress, we ask patients to please bear with us while the work continues.”

The new building is being built to BREEAM ‘Very Good’ standard. Halesowen-based A&H Construction is the contractor on the project.