WORK has begun on a £1.5million extension and refurbishment of a Grade II listed doctors’ practice in Tiverton.

Clare House Surgery, which looks after more than 10,000 patients a year, is set to get a 4,111sq ft extension to take on a larger role in the community.

The extra space will comprise ten consulting rooms, two treatment rooms and a minor operations room.

The work, to be done by Barnstaplebased contractor Morgan Sindall and project-managed by Exeter-based Haldons Construction Consultants, will provide significantly improved premises fit for the 21st Century.

The practice, founded in 1932, has 40 staff, eight partners and three associate GPs, and also provides medical training.

Archaeological work was undertaken at the site before the work due to the historical significance of the area.

The house was once the site of a religious premises destroyed around the time of the siege of Tiverton Castle during the English Civil War.

Linda Bent, business manager at the surgery, said: “We’ve needed to extend the premises for quite some time, so we’re thrilled to see work beginning and are looking forward to seeing it take shape over the coming months.

“The new extension and refurbishment programme will provide modern, purpose-built facilities for the continuing standard of care patients of Clare House regard so highly.”

The work is set to be completed by this summer.