PLANS have been unveiled for a new £2.75m health centre in the region.

P+HS Architects has submitted a planning application to replace the Eaglescliffe Medical Practice with a new purpose-built facility.

Joe Biggs, director at P+HS Architects, said several sites were considered and evaluated and the final site chosen was open recreational land at the junction of Sunningdale Drive and Muirfield Road, close to the existing health centre.

The practice provides care for more than 8,000 patients from the villages of Eaglescliffe, Elton, Long Newton and Yarm, and has outgrown the original building.

Facilities will include an extensive surgery, with accommodation for GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants and related clinical staff, as well as a PCT community clinic with group spaces for activities such as parent and child sessions, and meeting and training spaces including a library and group room. within easy reach for all patients.

Practice manager Angela Mackereth said: "With a steady increase in the number of registered patients expected over the next few years, we will be able to provide them with the space and flexibility to offer a wider range of local clinic services."

Subject to planning approval, it is expected that the development will be complete and ready for occupation by the practice in spring 2009.