A MULTI-million pound redevelopment project which includes a new one-stop health centre has moved a step nearer to completion with a topping out ceremony.

By Richard Cornwell

A MULTI-million pound redevelopment project which includes a new one-stop health centre has moved a step nearer to completion with a topping out ceremony.

Watched by colleagues and the building project team, Dr Jonathon Haigh, senior partner for Framfield House doctor's practice in Woodbridge, climbed to the roof of the building to lay the last ridge tile.

The development by Barnes Construction at the Notcutts site in Ipswich Road will be finished in the summer and transform one of the riverside town's best-known areas.

Barnes Construction director Chris Bruce helped Dr Haigh to lay the ridge tile, marking completion of the outside of the building with all work now moving inside to complete the fit out.

Dr Haigh said: "My colleagues and I have been working long and hard on the development of this carefully planned building.

"We have now reached an exciting stage, in that the outside is finished and we are getting very close to completion.

"The new surgery will provide enhanced services for our patients and by working with other care providers there will be health improvements and value for money benefits for the whole community"

The GP Practice has been based at Framfield House on the corner of St Johns Street and The Thoroughfare in central Woodbridge since 1960.

The partnership has five full-time partners and three associate doctors who work part-time. In total the existing surgery has nine full-time and 30 part-time staff.

Its catchment area covers Woodbridge and the immediate surrounding area - approximately a six mile radius - including the Bealings, Grundisburgh, Playford, Clopton, Charfield, Pettistree, Ufford, Eyke, Shottisham, Sutton, Hemley, Newbourne and Waldringfield.

In addition to the medical centre, the development will see the garden centre refurbished and extended, plus housing, parking, and public open space. A new roundabout has also been constructed on Ipswich Road to provide access to the development.

What do you think of the project? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk