Long-awaited images have today been released of a new medical centre in east Ipswich which will serve more than 25,000 patients.

Ipswich Star: planning concept for the proposed new medical centre for the West Villa site.planning concept for the proposed new medical centre for the West Villa site.

Health and borough bosses have expressed their delight that the plan for the former West Villa homeless unit, in Woodbridge Road East, is making progress and will see the Lattice Barn and Woodbridge Road surgeries join together to provide state-of-the-art facilities.

The site was chosen after former sheltered flats in Cambridge Drive were converted into a new homeless families unit, leaving West Villa available for redevelopment.

An application has now been sent in to the borough for the creation of the centre.

David Ellesmere, leader of the council, said: “I am very pleased that we put together a deal that will enable the doctors to build a new surgery for more than 25,000 people in Ipswich.

“While not commenting on the details of the plan, it is good news that our deal will ensure that the West Villa site will continue to serve the community for decades to come.”

Although there have been no official details released of what will be in the new centre, the application submitted for the council has signalled the intent to construct a new medical centre, pharmacy and car parking.

Dr Mark Shenton, chairman of the NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We are pleased that plans for a new building to house Lattice Barn and Woodbridge Road GP surgeries are progressing.

“Patients deserve access to the best possible healthcare facilities and providing these GP services in a modern, state-of-the-art building will serve patients well for many years to come.”

A decision on the submission is expected to be reached by the middle of August at the latest.

To view the application, or to have your say on it, visit www.ipswich.gov.uk