A LONG-empty Winchester office is set to be brought back to life early next year.

Work on Avalon House in Chesil Street is nearing completion and will be handed over to the Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Avalon House has stood empty for several years following the relocation of the city council planning department.

Cllr Steve Miller, portfolio holder for business services, said: “The council has been working with local health trusts over a number of years to try to improve the provision of health services in the city and was pleased when last year Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust agreed to take a lease on Avalon House.

“The Council has worked closely with the Trust to design a facility which will improve conditions for patients and health staff. Services are currently provided from a number of locations in and around the city.

Southern Health will be using it as a hub for a range of community health services such as health visitors.

Its services are being brought together under one roof for the first time in Winchester.

Services are currently based in various locations across and around the city, including the old Friarsgate Medical Centre and St Waleric in Park Road.

It is anticipated that the new centre, which will continue to be called Avalon House, will open in early February 2015.