The Leader can reveal two major healthcare providers will be moving into the three-storey centre, East Tamworth Medical Centre, which is expected to be completed by August next year.

In Tamworth on Wednesday, developer Derek Miller of Hampton Property Group confirmed North West Health would open a GP clinic in the centre, while local business Family Pharmacy would set-up shop as Terry White Chemmart at the site.

“Northwest Health will be occupying the site from day one as the GP practice,” he said. “I do know that they plan to open with around eight-to-ten doctors and the facility itself has the capacity of expanding it to 18.”

Mr Miller said he was “ecstatic” work had begun on the complex with the hopes of full completion in 12-months.

He said there were only three vacancies left with shortlisting underway for tenants at the building’s new childcare centre.

Stephen McDonald, project manager of the Formline Group, said work started this week on stormwater line upgrades and preparations for a retaining wall.

He said passers-by should be able to see the foundations appear in about three weeks.

“We’re really excited, obviously it’s one of the bigger projects that’s happening in the Tamworth CBD this year so we’re really excited to be a part of it and looking forward to the outcome in 12 months,” he said.

Mr Miller said commitments with tenants required them to open within three-months of the end of construction.

“The building will be fully operational from a healthcare and childcare centre from about October next year,” he said.

Family pharmacy partner Will Campbell said the group was excited about opening its third store in the city.

The facility could house a pharmacy, general practitioner’s clinic, skin clinic, pathology and medical imaging centres, a cafe and a childcare centre.