Five Rivers Medical concept plans [above and below]. IMAGES/SUPPLIED

Construction on Greytown’s multi-million-dollar medical centre, Five Rivers Medical, will begin in April.

The purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility is set to be completed mid-2021 and will cater for up to 5000 patients.

Five Rivers Medical chairman and spokesman Bob Francis said since announcing the news last year that the facility would be built in Greytown, they had received “nothing but overwhelming support”.

“And we’ve made excellent progress in getting this project off the ground.”

The first soil will be turned on the Bidwills Cutting Rd site in April and construction will begin, he said.

“Once opened in mid-2021, Five Rivers Medical will bring health care services and a number of specialist services closer to patients in Wairarapa meaning some people will no longer have to drive over the hill to access these in Wellington, as they currently do.”

The medical centre was funded by Wairarapa couple Shane and Lynnette McManaway, who own Gold Creek, a Charolais cattle and deer farming operation at Matarawa, Carterton.

The couple said funding and building a much-needed medical facility for people in their community had been a dream for some time.

“We have a growing population and an ageing population here in Wairarapa as well as an increased level of mental health issues affecting many in our community,” Shane McManaway said.

“Since deciding to put something back into this community that will benefit everyone – from those that live rurally to those in our urban centres – we’ve been overwhelmed by the community response and equally overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from the medical and health sector.

“We’ve also received wonderful support from the South Wairarapa District Council.”

Once completed, Five Rivers Medical will feature a full range of general practice services as well as a comprehensive wellness facility including physiotherapy, a rehabilitation gym, a pilates studio, massage therapy, mental health, and counselling services.

A suite of consultation rooms will service a range of visiting specialists.

There will also be an in-house pharmacy.

Boulcott Hospital will provide a variety of medical services for people in Wairarapa.

It will also work collaboratively with Tu Ora Compass Health, the Wairarapa District Health Board and Wellington Free Ambulance as well as with existing medical specialists.

Francis said Five Rivers Medical was expected to employ more than 45 full time staff as well as have a team of specialists to cater for up to 5000 patients.

The project developer is David Borman and the facility has been designed by James Silverwood of Silverwood Architects.

It will feature a stunning schist and cedar exterior.

There will be extensive parking and the surrounding landscaping will be in keeping with Greytown’s heritage and history as the first town in New Zealand to celebrate Arbor Day.