It’s been seven years in the making, but a community finally has its new £13.5m health hub.

The Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre in Four Elms Road opened its doors promptly at 8am on Monday.

The centre houses all health services under one roof; from a GP surgery, children’s services, diagnostic services, and a wellbeing centre to a wide range of outpatient clinics.

It should reduce the need for many patients to travel to Tunbridge Wells or Maidstone hospitals for care.

Construction began in May last year after many years of planning.

Mairead McCormick, chief executive of the Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are really proud.

“The centre is a shining example of supporting people to manage their health, stay well and be part of the community, while delivering care, closer to home.”

Valerie Bignall was one of the first patients through the doors for a GP appointment.

Mrs Bignell, an Edenbrigde resident for 50 years, said: “I’m secretary of the Eden Active Retirement Association and we've been waiting in anticipation for the new building to open and we're so pleased now it's here.

“It’s great to see so many services in one place. I don’t visit the doctors very often but the new centre looks great and the car park is so big.”

The new medical centre will be led by Sherree Kempton, a physiotherapist, who will be assisted by Becky Thompson, the former matron of Edenbridge and District War Memorial Hospital.

Ms Kempton said: “Living locally as I do, I really understand our community in Edenbridge and know the value we will be bringing with all of our services together, under one roof.”

Stuart Young has been the chairman of the Edenbridge Medical Practice patient participation group for 10 years. On Monday, he helped to man the welcome desk.

He said: “The whole journey to today started in 2016 so it’s great to actually be standing here and seeing the final result of all the hard work."

The opening of the new medical centre does mean that NHS services will no longer be provided at the former Edenbridge Medical Practice building in Station Road, or at the Edenbridge and District War Memorial Hospital in Mill Hill.