A brand new, purpose-built veterinary practice has opened in Felixstowe – bringing up to 20 jobs to the town.

Ryder-Davies and Partners were recently handed the keys to their new state-of-the-art facility, in Garrison Lane, by contractors Seamans Building, opening their doors to clients on Monday, March 18.

The new practice features a surgical suite, a range of consulting and diagnosis rooms, high-tech imaging facilities as well as a dental theatre, on-site laboratory and plenty of parking.

Alison Wilkins, Business Manager at Ryder-Davies and Partners, said: "It's a very exciting time for us.

"To have a bespoke veterinary practice furnished with brand new equipment will be fantastic for our clients."

Partner Dr Joe Steventon added: "These new building will mean we can perform very high-level work here for our local patients.

"We have really expanded our facilities to be able to improve the patient care and provide a wonderful experience at the vets for all of our clients.

"This is the first time we have had a purpose-built building, it's something we've never had before so it's very exciting.

"We can't wait to show people the incredible facilities we now have in Felixstowe."

Ryder-Davies and Partners, which was established in 1973, has other practices in Woodbridge, Ipswich and Rendlesham.

(L – R) Dr Joe Steventon - Partner and Veterinary Surgeon, Alison Wilkins - Business/Practice Manager, Ben Ryder-Davies - Partner and Equine Veterinary Surgeon, Diane Gilder – Receptionist, Dr Holly Game - Head Veterinary Surgeon at the Felixstowe Surgery, Elaine McDowell - Head Registered Veterinary Nurse, Matt Payne - Hollins Architects, Steven Moore - Hyams QS, James Purnell - Seamans Senior Contracts Manager

The building was designed by Suffolk architects Hollins, with work starting on site in February last year by Thurston-based Seamans Building.

James Purnell, Senior Contracts Manager at Seamans, said: "We are incredibly proud of the delivery of this project.

"Bringing this disused parcel of land back into use, and to deliver the project within budget and on schedule shows the dedication of everyone involved in the project.

"The feedback we have received from the veterinary practice has been great.  

"It has been a pleasure working with them and we wish them, and their four-legged patients, all the best in the future."

For more on Seamans and its projects, see www.seamans.co.uk