New GP surgery reaches milestone moment

It’s up to the roof!

Our new GP surgery has been officially “topped out” as it takes shape in the heart of a Portsmouth community.

The milestone moment at Highclere Medical Centre in Cosham was marked with a steelwork-signing by guests ranging from the architects who designed the building through to the GPs who will be based there.

Those present at the topping out ceremony, a construction industry tradition, were invited to climb a podium to write their name on one of the last beams to be put in place on the upper floor.

Nicola Burnett, Chief Finance Officer and Director of Estates at Solent NHS Trust, said: “Highclere Medical Centre has been a long time in the making, with lots of obstacles along the way, so to see it through from concept to where we are today is fantastic.

“This project is one we can truly hold up in terms of partnership working; right from the start, everyone has pulled together to make this much-needed new healthcare unit a reality. I am confident it will be of huge benefit to the people of this part of Portsmouth.”

Contractors began clearing the ground for the purpose-built surgery off Northern Road in October 2023.

Once completed, Highclere Medical Centre will house six consulting rooms, three treatment rooms and admin space, along with a bright and welcoming entrance and waiting area.

It is hoped the centre, being built on a former car park, will be completed and welcoming its first patients by early 2025.

Jonathan Gough, Managing Director of contractors Building Integrated Services (BIS), said: “It is a great achievement to have reached this stage in the project. Highclere is a challenging site, but the building is going up well.

“We are very proud to be helping to deliver such an important facility for the NHS and the local community.”