Step forward in plans for new GP surgery in Ipswich

A step forward in Ipswich’s new GP surgery has been made, as a council has agreed to find a lead consultant and main contractor for the project.

Ipswich Borough Council’s executive voted to progress with the procurement of a lead consultant and main contractor for the Tooks GP project this week.

At Tuesday’s executive meeting, Labour councillor Martin Cook, who has responsibility for resources, said: "Establishing the best services across the town is one of our key priorities, and the work towards Tooks GP surgery aims to realise that ambition."

Responding to a question about last year’s reports that an Aldi store on Meredith Road was to be the site of the surgery, Cllr Cook said: “The NHS integrated care board has confirmed the Tooks site for the surgery.

"A consultation has been held and an outline business case has been drawn up for this site."

An invitation to tender for the main contractor is planned for June 2023 and awards for contracts are expected in November 2023.

Construction of the surgery on the corner of the former Tooks Bakery site, near the junction of Norwich Road and Bury Road, is expected to start in January 2024 and be complete by June 2025.

The project comes as part of a partnership between Ipswich Borough Council, NHS Suffolk, North East Essex Integrated Care Board and Cardinal Medical Practice, aimed at delivering increased GP capacity in north-west Ipswich.

The report presented to the executive states the project will ultimately have no cost impact on the council, as costs will be recovered within the terms of the lease and through service charge arrangements with tenants.

The estimated costs to be offset are: £250,000 this year, £1,250,000 next year, £5.5 million in 2024 and £1 million in 2025.

A full business case with details of the lead consultant and main contractor will need to be presented to the NHS before work can be started.