Construction starts at Felixstowe Garrison Lane as Ryder-Davies and Partners veterinary surgery moves from nearby Queen's Road

Construction has begun at the site of a new veterinary surgery as an independent practice relocates.

Ryder-Davies and Partners is moving its Felixstowe branch from Queen's Road to Garrison Lane, and Seamans Building have now started work at the site.

The purpose-built practice will feature consultation and diagnosis rooms, as well as imaging facilities and an on site laboratory.

A dental theatre and surgical suite, as well as offices and on-site parking, will also be included in the build. The move is expected to bring 20 jobs to the town.

Dr Joe Steventon, Partner at Ryder-Davies and Partners, said: “We are relocating having had a branch on Queen’s Road just round the corner.

“Our previous location was a much smaller practice in a residential property, which we moved into 40 years ago, but we have outgrown it.

“It’s very exciting to be able to build a wonderful purpose-built practice in Felixstowe. It will provide a superb space to treat and care for the town’s much-loved pets.

“We are really looking forward to seeing the building take shape," he added.

The ground work is currently being cleared in preparation of the building's foundations to be cast.

Steve Revell, Senior Contracts Manager at Seamans Building, said: “Our construction team and Seaman’s key supply chain partners are all looking forward to building the new veterinary surgery on behalf of our client, Ryder-Davies and Partners - it’s not every day you have an opportunity to build a new veterinary surgery in a local seaside town.

“The design of the new practice is very well thought through, and the overall layout arrangement is superb, and will provide Ryder Davies partnership an excellent facility to care for Felixstowe residents beloved pets for many years to come.”

Matt Payne, associate of Suffolk architects Hollins who designed the new practice, said: “This has been a really interesting design to work on.

"We have had lengthy conversations with the client about the design of the building and have visited their other practices to get a better understanding of how they work and how the space is used.

"It has been a very enjoyable project to work on and it is great to see work has begun at the site."

Ryder-Davis and Partners, which was established in 1973, has other practices in Woodbridge, Ipswich and Rendlesham.

Work on the new practice is due to be completed in early 2024.