Contracts have been signed allowing construction to start following the end of a 12 month design and development process for the "leading edge" building.

The centre – offering modern consulting rooms and clinics, facilities for minor surgery and dental services and space for community groups – should be ready by mid-2010.

The £3.6 million centre has been designed to blend in with the surrounding conservation area.

It will include environmentally friendly features such as Co2 air pumps to heat the floor and roof solar panels to provide up to 30 per cent of hot water every day.

Dr Tim Riley, chief executive for NHS Tameside and Glossop, said he is "delighted" about bringing the "exciting new facility to Glossop".

He added: "It'll offer a wide range of health services within bright, modern and accessible surroundings, which will benefit patients, staff and the community as a whole".

The centre has been paid for through the NHS's Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) – a scheme investing in modern primary care and community-based services.

Alan Maden, chair of Bury, Tameside and Glossop Community Solutions, said: "Last year we took the design proposals to people and were very pleased with the overwhelming support.

"I particularly remember two comments – one said 'Glossop has waited a long time for this' and the other said 'Bring it on'."

The current building is to be demolished to make way for the centre situated in the Norfolk Square Conservation Area.