A WELL-KNOWN vets practice is set to go ahead with an expansion into Bellingham’s former police station building.

Tim Pearson, the owner of the Orchard House Veterinary Centres in Hexham and Stocksfield, has completed the purchase of the building on Fountain View, and now plans to expand his veterinary service into the North Tyne Valley.

Northumberland-based contractor Smailes Construction will deliver a high-tech surgery offering the latest sophisticated equipment, including advanced LED operating lights and digital dental radiography.

The development has been praised for its green credentials through the use of renewable air source heating in conjunction with underfloor heating and a natural zinc roof to contrast with the original slate.

The project will also create three new jobs for the Bellingham area; a veterinary surgeon, a nurse and a full-time receptionist.

The plans for the new surgery include retaining the current downstairs reception rooms to provide a comfortable waiting room and two consultation rooms.

But the original cells will see a new lease of life in the form of the onsite kennels and cattery for patient recovery.

I nterior details, such as cell doors and windows, will be maintained, but with renovations to make them animal-friendly and longer-lasting.

And at the rear of the building, an existing extension will be demolished to make way for a brand new operating theatre and patient prep room.

North-East architectural practice Howarth Litchfield designed the plans after successfully securing planning consent from Northumberland County Council for the conversion.

Mr Pearson said: “Howarth Litchfield has a wide range of knowledge and skills from other building projects and existing experience of healthcare projects, like medical centres in the local area.

“Having a permanent base in Bellingham will be beneficial for those clients who travel from outlying areas, such as the Borders, as it will reduce the distance they need to travel to get expert advice while also reducing the stress levels of their pets, as they won’t be travelling for too long.”

Director, Neil Turner, of Howarth Litchfield, said: “We are delighted to be involved with this project.

“Under a negotiated contract, Smailes Construction has been selected as the preferred contractor and they have worked hard to establish a team ethos that matches our own and Tim’s, allowing key decisions on the scope of the project to be easily made.”

Once on site, Smailes Construction is expected to take approximately four months to complete the project.