A FORMER school in Wivenhoe will reopen as a new GP surgery next year.

Campaigners have been fighting for a bigger premises for the Wivenhoe Surgery, in the Avenue, for more than a decade.

Now GPs are set to move into the building, which once housed the Wivenhoe Board School.

In recent years the building was known as the Phillip Road centre, and was a children’s support services centre and community base, until it was vacated by Essex County Council last year.

Discussions are continuing between the council and the surgery to finalise a 125-year lease on the property, which will accommodate a full general practice surgery.

Part of the grounds will continue to have community use.

The youth bus will continue to park in the car park and the surgery hopes to ensure the adjoining multi-use games area remains available to local residents.

The Hub youth group can also continue to use the site, which is being converted.

Julie Young, county councillor for Wivenhoe, said: “This is excellent news for the Wivenhoe community who have waited for decades for an upgraded health facility. Many people have felt this day would never come.

“Doctors should have modern facilities to provide the first-class care local people need."

Bernard Jenkin, MP for Harwich and North Essex, has along with Mrs Young, campaigned for the GP surgery.

He said: “What a wonderful Christmas present for Wivenhoe.

“After years of campaigning, people living in Wivenhoe are finally to get a modern, spacious GP surgery, instead of a converted bungalow. And it’s about time."

Derrick Louis, county councillor responsible for transformation, said: “We are committed to improving healthcare provision throughout Essex and I am delighted that our efforts in Wivenhoe are bearing fruit.

“We look forward to seeing the facility operational later in 2015, subject to obtaining the necessary consents.”