After 35 years in their previous location, equine vet - Milbourn Equine - moved to new purpose built premises today.

The building which houses the new clinic was previously a dilapidated, pigeon-infested, concrete-framed barn, used as a corn store. Trying to give this barn the Cinderella effect initially proved difficult, as there were problems with the early designs.

Practice Partner David McDonald was not sure where to turn next in order to progress the project, but luckily he was put in touch with MKA Projects, who quickly put together a new design and construction team including Newmarket-based architects HPN, who are experienced in equine facility design.

The programme period for the works was just four months, which considering the barn had to be stripped back to the bare bones was an ambitious timescale. The asbestos roof was replaced and the wall cladding removed, so that only the concrete frame and some of the walls remained. The new accommodation comprises a reception area, office facilities, pharmacy, storeroom, knock-down box and operating theatre (complete with hoist), x-ray room, treatment room, stocks, isolation box and a measuring pad. MKA Projects have also overseen the conversion of another barn on the site into stables and storage space.

Jean Ashford, Practice Manager commented “These four months have flown by and thanks to MKA Projects and their team of dedicated professionals, the whole project has run so smoothly from start to finish. Nothing has been too much trouble, they’ve really “mucked in” - even helping us plan which way to put our desks! Already our clients appreciate our new, state-of-the-art facilities and we’re all very happy in our new premises.”

David McDonald wrote to MKA Projects saying how delighted he was with the end result of the project and how impressed his clients have been in the first week of opening. He also said “I’d like to say a huge thank you to MKA Projects and their team on completing the project so efficiently and promptly! It’s now up to me to drive the clinic forward now that we are in such a great location.”

The team also included, BSF (Structural Design), Westmead (M&E Design) Bernard Sims Associates (CDM-C) and the Main Contractor was Jenner (Contractors) Ltd of Folkestone.