WORK has begun to build a new medical and dental centre on Salisbury Plain.

The centre is being built in Larkhill to enhance healthcare provision for soldiers and their families as well local NHS patients.

Army Basing and Aspire Defence dignitaries were joined by representatives from Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC), the NHS, Larkhill Garrison and Wiltshire Council for a special ground-breaking ceremony at the construction site on Friday last week.

As a result of the Army Basing Programme (ABP), an extra 4,000 troops and approximately 1,300 service families will be based in the Salisbury Plain area, with the majority arriving in 2019.

This has resulted in an increase in capacity required for healthcare in the region around Salisbury Plain.

The new building, due for completion in early 2020, will accommodate army medical healthcare, army dental healthcare and NHS services, providing separate clinical and administration areas for each provider with a shared entrance and waiting area.

Allan Thomson, chief executive of Aspire Defence Limited said: “This is a significant asset which represents the positive legacy our ABP construction programme is creating, not just for military and civilian personnel in the Larkhill community but across Salisbury Plain.”

The event was also attended by pupils and staff from the neighbouring Larkhill Primary School, who were celebrating their recent success in a national hoarding design and decorating competition.

To enhance the appearance of the construction site, the children painted 11 hoardings, using scenes inspired by the local environment, and were announced runners-up of the Ivor Goodsite competition, organised by the Considerate Constructors Scheme.