Work has finally started on a new GP surgery near Norwich after five years of campaigning by local leaders.

Rackheath councillors have been pushing for the medical centre to support the rapidly expanding village, which is set to have thousands of new homes built in the coming years.

When finished it could have more than 10,000 patients on its register. 

Martin Murrell, Conservative district councillor for the Wroxham ward, which includes Rackheath parish, has been campaigning alongside councillor Fran Whymark and MP Jerome Mayhew for the new medical facility for years.

Builders arrived at the site on MondayBuilders arrived at the site on Monday (Image: Denise Bradley)

He has been to the site to view the progress and is "ecstatic" that it is finally under way.

He said: "I am so pleased to see work starting on this much-needed Medical Centre and Health Hub.

Councillors Martin Murrell (left) and Fran Whymark (right) at the building siteCouncillors Martin Murrell (left) and Fran Whymark (right) at the building site (Image: Denise Bradley)

"This has been achieved by working closely with the NHS, Broadland District Council, Norfolk County Council, Hoveton and Wroxham Medical Centre (including members of the Patient Participation Group) and the developer, with support from Jerome Mayhew, MP.  

"I look forward to seeing it open next year."

READ MORE: Plans given green-light for new sports park and allotments on city outskirts

Fran Whymark, who is a Conservative district councillor for the area alongside Cllr Murrell, added: "Since being a councillor I have been working with partners to get Rackheath the infrastructure it needs.

Already, the area has been cleared, and white posts installed to mark out the footprint of the health hubAlready, the area has been cleared, and white posts installed to mark out the footprint of the health hub (Image: Denise Bradley)

"Seeing work start on site, and knowing the Medical Centre will be open in less than a year, is a major achievement for local people."

The scheme recently suffered a setback when fears were raised over the potential of flooding, but the site was given planning permission in December 2023. 

The centre will be a modern, accessible, digitally-enabled facility where people can access a range of health and care services.

It will also provide "more joined-up services" between primary and community care, helping to improve patient experience and improve health outcomes for local folk.

In the first week of work, the developers have been working to clear and flatten the land as they prepare the way for the heavy machinery that will be arriving over the next three weeks.

They are also working to protect a main gas line from Bacton that runs underground through the building site.

The work is set to be completed in spring 2025.