Billingham church set for £150k veterinary transformation creates new jobs

An empty church in Billingham is being transformed into a veterinary practice following a £150k investment.

Clifton Lodge Veterinary Group, on Station Road in Billingham, is relocating to the Methodist church along the street following the property’s availability for lease.

The move is set to more than double the size of the practice to meet the rise of patients in care, and will create two new jobs.

The church is being renovated to create a new surgery with two consulting rooms, an operating theatre, x-ray room, dental facilities and separate cat and dog kennels plus a laboratory.

VetPartners’ business development director, Paul Wilson, who led on both projects, said: “The new surgery in Billingham is going to be a fantastic facility, not only for the team working there, but for clients bringing their pets to the practice.

“There is definitely scope to grow the client base as it will be a better place to bring pets, with enhanced facilities and additional space. This is another example of how VetPartners is investing in its practices throughout the UK, including the North East region.”

Investment in the new practice has been provided by VetPartners. Work is expected to be completed by the end of February 2020 and the new premises will open in March.

It is the second former Methodist church to be turned into a new surgery by Clifton Lodge after its Horden branch took over the Independent Methodist Church in Cotsford Lane in the town last month.

The improved facilities in the new Horden surgery led to 42 new clients registering in the first week of opening.