Manchester & Cheshire Construction embarks on £1.3m GP expansion project

Work has begun on the seven-figure expansion of a GP surgery in north Manchester.

The £1.3m project, which will double the size of the Avenue Medical Centre in Blackley, is being delivered by North West building firm Manchester & Cheshire Construction.

Manchester & Cheshire will create a two-storey extension that will link the surgery to a nearby branch of Cohens Chemist, creating 11 additional consulting rooms, waiting rooms, a new reception, pram storage area, offices and archive space.

Once the extension is built, the existing surgery will be refurbished.

Part funded by NHS England, the project is due for completion by June 2017.

Avenue Medical Centre partner Dr Wendy Kitching said: “We are excited to begin this development, which has been three years in the planning.

“It will see the practice double in size to meet the needs of a growing population.”

She continued: “The increased size will provide a better environment for our patients and staff, as well as giving us the space and facilities to further develop our primary care services over the coming years.”

First opened in 1982, today the Avenue Medical Centre is a five-partner practice with over 10k patients on its register.

Dave Lowe, the MD of Manchester & Cheshire, which was appointed following a competitive tender process, commented: “This project reflects our growing presence in the healthcare sector.

“We have enjoyed working with The Avenue team to develop the design, and now look forward to bringing it to life.”

He added: “It will greatly enhance primary healthcare provision in the area.”

Architecture firm 3D.G design is working with Salford-based Manchester & Cheshire on the scheme along with structural engineering company Reid Jones Partnership, contract administrator Aitchison Rafferty and electrical engineers Blezard.

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