PLANS for a new state-of-the-art GP surgery on the outskirts of Worcester were unveiled to the public for the first time yesterday.

Designs for the new St John’s House Surgery went on display at a consultation event at the University of Worcester’s Riverside Building in Hylton Road.

The surgery has outgrown its building in Bromyard Road, where it has been since 1966, and GPs plan to relocate to the university’s Worcester Park site at Grove Farm.

The new two-storey health centre will be two-thirds larger than the existing building and will feature a pharmacy, additional parking and a meeting room that could be used by community or voluntary groups.

Referring to the proposed development, people gave feedback including “very impressed”, “should be a great improvement” and “exciting project”.

Meanwhile, concerns were raised about the amount of parking on site and access via public transport.

Bob Smaylen, development director for developers Prime (UK) Developments, said about 70 parking spaces were planned for the new site, compared with 20 at the existing surgery.

He said discussions would be held with bus companies about developing public transport links once planning permission had been approved.

Mr Smaylen said: “We have had some really good feedback and, in terms of the design of the building, it’s been very positive.

“With a development the size of this and the nearby housing development, there will be demand for public transport.

“We will now read the comments and see whether any of them relate to design and see whether there are changes that can be incorporated.”

A planning application is set to be submitted before the end of the year, with the aim of starting work in summer 2012 and opening in 2013.

Anyone who was unable to attend the event can view the full designs at primeplc.com