THE development of the new Great Sutton Medical Centre in Ellesmere Port has moved a step closer.

Patients, community members, developers, the local scout group and NHS representatives came together to mark the official ‘groundbreaking ceremony’.

The new GP practice, replacing the current building on Old Chester Road, will improve accessibility and enable the clinical team from Great Sutton Medical Centre to provide patients with the care they need, in a modern, purpose-built facility.

The £13.5 million project forms part of a new Health and Wellbeing Village being developed in the area and is an important investment to transform community health and care services that will benefit patients, local residents and the wider community.

An artists impression of the new Great Sutton Medical Centre. Picture: Wynne Construction.

An artist's impression of the new Great Sutton Medical Centre. Picture: Wynne Construction.

The Health and Wellbeing village has been designed to be fully accessible to the local community, providing access to enhanced green spaces, a village hall, community allotments and a new scout hut.

Dr Andy McAlavey, GP partner at Great Sutton Medical Centre, said: “After eight years of planning we have finally reached the day when we break ground in order to create a wonderful community asset. I would like to thank everyone who has put their time and expertise into this project thus far.

“Our plans and dreams have been to create a setting that meets the needs of our patients. Our local community deserves the best facilities we can offer to help manage their health issues and improve their wellbeing.

"The range of resources within our buildings will aspire to meet those needs and I look forward to our local community benefitting from this exciting development as soon as possible.”

Laura Marsh, associate director of transformation and partnerships, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care System are really pleased to see work commencing on this development for Great Sutton Medical Centre.

“After several years of partnership working between NHS commissioners and the practice to develop agreed plans, we are excited that this development will offer much needed clinical capacity for the population of Great Sutton, for both primary health care and wider health and care partner organisations.”

The project, delivered by North Wales-based Wynne Construction, is due to complete in September 2024, and the practice along with the project team will continue working with residents and the wider community to ensure the build meets everyone’s needs.