Construction on the centre started in early August 2024 and is currently at the internal fit-out stage when the internal space of the building shell will be turned into a functional environment, such as installing floors, ceilings, partitions, equipment and furnishings.

Today members of Hoveton & Wroxham Medical Centre, NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, Norfolk Community Health & Care NHS Foundation Trust, NHS England, NHS Property Services and Officers and Councillors from Broadland District Council, South Norfolk Council, Rackheath Parish Council and Great and Little Plumstead Parish Council were shown round the site by representatives from health construction specialists Darwin Group, to see progress on the centre.

The building will provide about 16,000 feet of internal floor space and, if proposals are approved, a pharmacy and opticians will join the other services.

The building will be produced using modern methods of construction (MMC), whereby, building structures will be manufactured offsite using volumetric modules, before being installed and commissioned on-site. This creates less material waste, reduces environmental impact, and enables buildings to be constructed within a matter of weeks.

Permanent infrastructure requires significant capital expenditure and can take years to build, however, the innovative construction methods used by Darwin Group deliver the same standards as permanent facilities, so patients can benefit from modern facilities much faster with the turn-key solutions.

Internally, the external walls, floors and soffits have been sprayed with an intelligent membrane to create an airtight building shell. Upgraded insulation and triple-glazed windows will increase thermal performance. Air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels and LED lighting will reduce energy consumption.

Magna Medical Centre will also attain an A+ energy performance rating and will be net zero carbon in operation. This means the centre will have cheaper utility bills and be create low levels of pollutants. The project will also have the aspiration of achieving BREEAM Outstanding.

Paul Higham, Associate Director of Estates at NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: “This Medical Centre is a key part of the necessary infrastructure needed to deliver improved integrated health services to the growing community in the Rackheath area and help to meet patients’ needs for healthcare services now and in future. The Medical Centre will help to transform how health and care services are delivered, bringing services closer to where people live, enabling more joined-up care and supporting residents to access information and wider services.”  

Barry Clark, Major Projects Construction Lead for NHSPS said: “It’s fantastic to see the progress being made on the project, and we are proud to be able to play a key part in unlocking value for our NHS colleagues by supporting the completion of this fantastic health hub for the local community.”  

Nick Dawe, Managing Director at Darwin Group, said: “It’s not often so many stakeholders get to see the progress of a project in this way. We’re delighted to host a first look tour for this project to give local leaders the opportunity to see the benefits of using modular construction methods, to deliver patient care effectively while also enabling healthcare facilities to operate in a net zero carbon way.”

“This facility will ensure the NHS in Norfolk can meet the needs of the community now and in the future because it brings together multiple primary healthcare services. The construction of this health centre housing key health services will create a one-stop shop for patients making accessing healthcare easier and more convenient, while also being sustainable.”

“Darwin Group construction methods used to create this building have meant that the time taken to build is vastly reduced from traditional construction methods so patients in the community will benefit sooner.”