A HEALTH centre worth £10m is to be built.
The facility will be in the centre of Seaham and will occupy the site of the former magistrate's court in Viceroy Street.
The facility will offer a full range of primary healthcare facilities to include GP facilities, a walk-in centre, various therapies, x-ray, audiology and outpatient services.
David Gallagher, NHS County Durham's director of partnerships and services, said: "It provides an excellent opportunity to improve the facilities for health services available for the people of Seaham."
"This includes bringing a range of services together into one place to provide care closer to home.
"We are also delighted to be able to contribute to regenerating the town centre."
The regeneration of the St John's Square area is a joint project between Durham County Council and NHS County Durham and Darlington.
A building programme totalling £19m will include a council building and a central public square as well as the health centre.
Work started this week and is expected to be completed in May 2012.
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