CIVIC chiefs have shared their support for the new replacement doctor's surgery in Winchester city centre following its approval at cabinet.

As reported in the Chronicle, St Clements surgery in Tanner Street is moving to the site of the Upper Brook Street car park.

A design for the new surgery was prepared by Winchester firm Architecture PLB and was granted planning permission in 2012.

But the delays with the development of Silver Hill meant planning permission expired, and a modified version was approved in March 2016.

The surgery building in Tanner Street was bought by Cllr Kim Gottlieb in December last year for an undisclosed seven-figure sum with the intention to pass ownership to a new civic trust.

Architecture PLB have been retained as the architects who will develop the design of the new surgery up to RIBA Stage 4 to facilitate the tendering of the construction work.

It is expected that the construction and occupation of the new surgery will be completed by May 2019.

Kathy Bracher, business manager for the St Clements Partnership said: “St Clements’ GPs and staff are very excited about the prospect of having modern facilities in which our patients can be seen and our staff work.

“We appreciate the hard work it has taken for everyone at Winchester City Council and West Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group to reach this point and hope that final details can be agreed to make this scheme a reality.”

Cllr Lisa Griffiths portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, said: “This is fantastic news for Winchester and means that residents can have state-of-the-art health facilities on their doorstep – it shows that we as a council are future-focused, listening to what residents want and need in the city.”

Cllr Caroline Horrill, leader of Winchester City Council said: “I am delighted that the development appraisal for this replacement surgery that will deliver the highest standard of healthcare for Winchester residents has been approved.

“It’s a key aim in our council strategy to work with partners to improve the health of our residents and this will be achieved by making use of land that we own – an entrepreneurial approach to asset management that will benefit tens of thousands of people.”