ONE of Worcester’s best known doctors’ surgeries is being sold.

St John’s House in Bromyard Road has been home to a family GP practice for more than half a century, but now the impressive Georgian building will be vacated as the business relocates to a purpose-built surgery on University Park, the new business, science and enterprise development at Grove Farm about half-a- mile away.

“St John’s House has been an ideal home for us for a long time,” said practice manager Stuart Coffey.

“But we have outgrown it as it is and are taking the opportunity to move to new purpose-built premises.

“No date has yet been set for the move, but we anticipate it will be towards the end of the year.”

The current practice at St John’s House has its roots in one set up by Dr Andrew Galbraith and Dr William Steel in the 1940s on The Bull Ring, St John’s.

They were later joined by Dr Miles Patrick Martin and patient numbers grew so much that in 1960 the trio moved to St John’s House, which had been converted from a large private residence in a scheme by Worcester architect Henry Gorst.

Over the years many thousands of patients have passed through the doors, but the age of the property has continually caused problems and as long ago as 1997 there were doubts whether the doctors could continue there.

In 2005 it had a £300,000 facelift and improvement, but soon the medics will be packing their bags for the last time.

St John’s House is a three-storey, 5,750 sq ft brick-built property comprising a range of consultation rooms and waiting area as well as administration offices, toilets and staff areas. There is a single-storey extension to the rear and a basement area.

Within its grounds is The Coach House, a two-storey, 2,225 sq ft brick building at the front of the site.

This was renovated in 2005 to provide additional surgery accommodation. The building has consultation rooms, toilets and training/seminar room. There is also a lift to the first floor.

Richard Tomlinson, partner at joint agents Halls Wilkins Commercial, said: “The properties would be suitable for a range of alternative uses (subject to planning) such as offices, apartments or a nursery.”

Jacqui Baylis of joint agent Harris Lamb, added: “The site is 0.7 acres in total and occupiers will benefit from 25 car parking spaces and extensive lawns and grounds.”

There is an £875,000 guide price.