A town is a step closer to having its own purpose-built health centre after the final bolt in the steel frame of the new building was tightened at a historic topping-off ceremony.

Patients will soon be accessing the new community hub in Edenbridge, which will be a one-stop shop for all health and wellbeing services. Completion is due this autumn.

The Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) and the Edenbridge Medical Practice will run the majority of services at the new health centre, which will include a new GP surgery, social prescribing and a wider range of outpatient clinics and children's services, reducing the need for people to travel to Tunbridge Wells or Maidstone hospitals for care.

Mairead McCormick is the chief executive of the trust. She said: “It’s hard to believe that just last year, we were stood – almost in the same spot – cutting the turf and kicking off the construction of Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre.

"Now, just nine months later, we are celebrating the final bolt going into the frame as we enter the last phase of the build.”

Mrs McCormick said: "With the roof now going on our new centre, it is right that, as we enter the final leg of this project, we finalise the services and explore what else we can provide that will benefit the health and wellbeing of the people of Edenbridge."

She said: “We want a centre that brings people together, creates opportunities and helps people connect to their community and that’s what we want people to help us with now. "

"This venture will be an outstanding example of what we can achieve when health and care partners join together to provide truly integrated support for the people they serve.”

Dr Anna-Louise Malan from Edenbridge Medical Practice said: “I am so pleased we will have our new GP surgery as part of the community hub.

"The new facilities and equipment will allow us to deliver health and wellbeing services in a joined-up way that meets the needs of people living here.

"The centre will be a shining example of supporting people to manage their long-term conditions, stay well and be part of their community, while delivering quality care, closer to home.”

Further information about the centre is available here.

The development in Four Elms Road is costing £13.5m.