Tonbridge’s new primary care centre is now officially completed, with the final stages continuing despite the second national lockdown throughout November.
The new centre on River Lawn Road - which became home to Tonbridge Medical Group from Monday, 14 December - has a range of consulting and treatment rooms, a self-contained minor procedures and treatment suite, a pharmacy and an ambulance bay. The modern facility now allows the practice to better serve its growing list of patients, as its former premises on Pembury Road and Higham Lane do not have the space needed and were limiting the services the practice could provide.
The new centre is less reliant on fossil fuels, generating much of its own power via solar panels on the roof and using measures such as air-source heat pumps to help reduce energy usage and, so, running costs.
Senior Partner at Tonbridge Medical Group, Dr Tim Palmer, said: “We’re all really excited to start working, finally, from our new building. It has been a long process but after seeing the finished centre it has been more than worth the wait – and in this year of all years, it is a real milestone to be moving to a building which is now fit for the future of local healthcare beyond the pandemic. We cannot wait to be able to welcome our patients to the building.”
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council provided the land for the new centre and Council Leader, Nicolas Heslop, said: “After many years of seeking opportunities to bring a new state of the art medical centre to Tonbridge, I am delighted that the Tonbridge Medical Group now has a high quality medical facility in the town centre. I would like to congratulate the Tonbridge Medical Group and all involved for their hard work in realising our ambition for such a fantastic facility in the town centre.”
Tom Tugendhat MP said: “The new, state of the art medical centre provides modern and up to date facilities for our GPs, nurses, trainees and other health care professionals. It will allow Tonbridge Medical Group to grow and better serve its patients. We have seen this year more than ever the role all healthcare staff do to keep us safe. It is fitting that at the end of this Tonbridge Medical Group have a brand new facility to use. After many years searching for a suitable site, I am delighted Tonbridge Medical Group can consolidate here and continue the excellent care they provide to residents across the town.”
The new medical centre was built by Folkestone-based contractor Jenner and funded by specialist primary care property company Assura, which will be the building’s long-term owner.
Tonbridge Medical Group plans to mark its new building with a grant to a local mental health project for young people from the Assura Community Fund.
Inside Tonbridge Medical Centre