The facility will bring two local GP practices — Swanscombe and Bean Partnership and Temple Hill Group — together under one roof and replace three outdated branch surgeries.

Jeremy Kite, leader of the council, said: ‘We have taken action to unlock a major investment in the health and wellbeing of local residents. By bringing services together in a purpose-built, modern setting, we're making it easier for people in Greenhithe and the surrounding area to access the care they rely on — in a building designed to support our communities now and in the years ahead.

‘Our council is not normally responsible for healthcare delivery locally, but the truth is that without some action, this facility is unlikely to come forward and we are not the sort of council to standby and allow that to happen.'

The NHS and Community Infrastructure Levy funded facility is expected to be completed before the end of 2027.

Ed Waller, chief strategy and partnerships officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: ‘We are delighted to be working in partnership with Dartford Borough Council to deliver this priority healthcare estates project. The new facility will support improved patient access and experience, expansion of the workforce and provide for a predicted growth in patient numbers in the area.'