When will works on site start?
Commercial arrangements are being agreed with the landlord, and a tender process is underway to appoint contractors to do the work
Everyone wants rapid progress, but a number of legal and other steps must be completed before work can begin. If these go well, we are hopeful that construction will commence in 2026.
We recognise that patients will be eager for this new facility to open and may have questions as the project moves forward. We will continue to share updates as soon as we are able and we are working with the Patient Participation Group (PPG) to ensure that patient views are heard. This will help us to ensure that the new site is used to its maximum potential.
Will there be more parking?
The new facility will enable us to create additional parking spaces within the constraints of the available sites. As part of the design, we will also be introducing a new accessible parking bay.
We are currently reviewing feedback from the planning committee regarding the balance between increasing accessible parking and providing electric vehicle (EV) charging points. The PPG is helping us to explore these options further and to ensure that patient needs are fully considered.
Will there be any access improvements (e.g., travel requirements and bus routes)?
We continue to encourage patients to consider alternative methods of travel to the practice such as using public transport, walking, cycling, or car sharing to help reduce pressure on our limited on-site parking. Access to the new annex will be through the main Norwich Road building, and existing travel and access arrangements will remain fully available to patients. The creation of some extra parking spaces as part of the project will be welcome.
Have you considered patients and staff with access needs in the designs for the annex?
Ensuring that both patients and staff have easy access is a key priority for us. We are committed to providing an environment in which everyone has the same opportunity to receive high-quality care and feels safe, respected, and supported when visiting Cardinal Medical Practice.
The annex will be created within an existing building, which does present some challenges, particularly around access to the first floor which will be admin space. However, we will ensure that any staff based in the annex will have their needs met across the campus. It is important to us that no one feels disadvantaged.
The ground floor of the annex will be fully accessible. A new pathway and sloped ramp will provide wheelchair-friendly access from the main Norwich Road building. The ground floor will also include accessible WC facilities and clinical rooms to ensure patients with mobility needs can access care without restriction. The main Norwich Road site is already fully accessible with a lift to all floors.
We explored the option of installing a lift in the Inkerman building, but due to the structural complexities and the loss of space available for clinical use, it was not feasible. Despite this, we remain committed to delivering an accessible and inclusive environment across our entire practice.