The construction of a new GP surgery and community building near Exminster is to start next month.

The site, next door to the new Matford Brook Academy, will provide facilities for the 2500 new homes on Matford development on the south west edge of Exeter.

The community building will include a hall, studio, meeting rooms, multi-use foyer and kitchen across two levels.

The GP surgery will provide 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 will include a total of 29 parking spaces to serve the community building and surgery. These include disabled spaces and EV charging points.

Councillor Alan Connett, who represents 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.’

Last year, Exminster Parish Council commissioned a consultation with residents of the 2000 new Matford households that fall within its boundaries to better represent their expanded parish and create ‘a place that works for everybody’.