Suffolk-based construction firm SEH French has won a top national award for its work on extending a GP surgery in Ely.

The Ipswich company was awarded Best Non-Residential Extension, Alteration, or Conversion at the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Grand Finals for its impressive transformation of St Mary’s Surgery.

Commissioned by East Cambridgeshire District Council, the project expanded the surgery to over 25 consulting rooms, alongside new meeting spaces, offices, and staff facilities. The work was carefully phased to allow patients continued access to services throughout the construction process.


The redevelopment involved demolishing the rear section of the existing building while preserving the front façade, followed by the construction of a three-storey extension at the back. The modernised facility now features three stairwells, two lifts, and accessible toilets on every floor, ensuring improved access for all patients.

Simon Girling, Director at SEH French, said: "This was a brilliant project to be a part of and required close working relationships with the council, Gary John Architects and our subcontractors.

"It's a joy to be able to provide such amazing facilities to the people in the area, with the larger site capable of treating many more patients as the population continues to grow.

"We would like to thank the team at St Mary's Surgery for being so accommodating to us during the staged reopening of the surgery."