Construction of the new community building and GP surgery proposed for South West Exeter is due to start in April.
These are the final elements of infrastructure being delivered in the area with funding (£48.6m) from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund administered by Homes England to support the development of 2,500 new homes on the outskirts of the city.
The community building will include a hall, studio, meeting rooms, multi-use foyer and kitchen across two levels.
The GP surgery will have additional capacity to serve the growing community. It will be built in two phases, initially with six consulting rooms on the ground floor, while the lower ground floor will be delivered as a shell for future fit out by the NHS.
The site, near the new Matford Brook Academy, is well located next to the new bridge across the A379, providing easy access for pedestrians and cyclists, with cycle parking available.
It will also include a total of 29 parking spaces to serve the community building and surgery. This includes disabled spaces and EV charging points.
Councillor Andrea Davis, our Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said:
“A huge amount of work has gone into upgrading the road network and infrastructure in South West Exeter over the last few years, and I’m sure everyone will be pleased that we’re now in the final stretch by starting work on the community building and GP surgery, which will be an important hub for this growing area. It’s vital that new housing developments are supported with essential facilities, and the community building and surgery will ensure that local people will have access to local services, healthcare and activities. The additional space on the lower ground floor of the surgery is over and above the current needs of the development, but we have included this extra capacity to benefit the local community and NHS by ensuring it is future proof.”
Councillor Alan Connett, our County Councillor for Exminster and Haldon, said:
“It is fantastic news that work will soon start on the new GP surgery and community centre to serve the new homes at Matford. I have worked closely with Devon County Council officers who led on this project, which is a significant part of the key services for the new development. My thanks to them and also Exminster Parish Council which, from the outset, has wanted to ensure local community facilities are provided at Matford. This announcement will be welcomed by local residents and I look forward to seeing the surgery and community centre open and in use as soon as possible.”
Councillor Yvonne Atkinson, our County Councillor for Alphington and Cowick, said:
“This is good news, with more people moving into the new houses a new GP surgery is desperately needed as the surgery in Alphington is at full capacity. Community facilities will help social cohesion for new residents where they live and help the Alphington Community Centre and Village Hall meet demand.”
Councillor Gary Taylor, Executive Member for Planning at Teignbridge District Council, said:
“It is great news that work will soon start on the community centre and GP surgery. Providing essential neighbourhood facilities and infrastructure early in this new development will help meet the growing needs of the local community, while also making the area even more attractive for the residents and prospective buyers of the many new homes now being built.”
Devon County Council has awarded the contract for the construction of the community building and GP surgery to Tilbury Douglas.
Paul Gale, Regional Director – South West at Tilbury Douglas, said:
“As the main contractor appointed to lead this scheme, we look forward to working collaboratively with all key stakeholders to deliver a state-of-the art facility that will serve the community for the long-term.”
Matt Wilby, Operations Director – South West Norse, said:
“We are incredibly proud to be part of this project, working alongside Devon County Council to support the growing community in South West Exeter. The new facilities will provide essential services right where people need them, helping to create a thriving and well-connected neighbourhood for years to come.
“Our team has worked tirelessly to get to this stage and help bring this vision to life. It’s fantastic to see it all coming together, and we’re excited to be supporting the final phases. We can’t wait to see the positive impact this will have on local residents.”
For more information please visit Home – South West Exeter