The success of the vet practice, opened by owner Kim Martel in 2014, meant that new digs were not just needed, but vital.

After being in the industry for 44 years, Dr Martel had opened the practice in 2014 after witnessing the demand for veterinary services in Griffith.

Dr Martel said that the former Yambil Street building was no longer suitable for requirements.

"It was so crowded in the end," he said.

"With the requirements needed these days you need a lot more equipment to offer the professional services the public requests.

"We didn't have any room; there were only two consultation rooms and many clients waiting."

The idea of converting an existing premises was quickly dismissed as it became obvious a greenfield site would be the only way to future-proof the practice.

"It took a year sourcing possible locations and we came up with the ideal spot in Mackay Avenue," Dr Martel said.

"There was plenty of land to build a building of today's requirements.

"It was always far better to purpose-build than to try and convert an old building. We were building for 10 years' time and you've got to allow room to expand into.

"So I bought a big block of land and could control my own destiny."

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Dennis Salvestrin was brought on board as project manager with Dr Martel praising his work, as well as the contractors, on the project.

"We had both been looking at a premises at an auction and we just started talking," he said. "We hadn't known each other at all. We've certainly learned a few things."

The actual build was a process that took 12 months from laying of the slab to occupation, with Yoogali Veterinary Centre opening for the first time on April 11, 2019.

"It is a big job when you move over a weekend," Dr Martel said.

"I used to know where everything was. We had the full team and most of the staff there, but we are still unpacking some things."

WHEN it came to the design of his new, state-of-the-art premises, Kim Martel knew what he wanted.

Having previously built three other veterinary hospitals - including designing some of them himself - Dr Martel had a clear idea of what would be needed in a premises that would have to stand the test of time, including catering for future growth, industry change and client needs.

The new Yoogali Veterinary Centre exceeds these requirements in a modern practice that is an industry leader in the Riverina.

Dr Martel looked at several existing designs with project manager Dennis Salvestrin.

"I found one that had been built three or four years before, (but) ended up designing it myself - 50 per cent from other plans and 50 per cent custom because I knew what I wanted," he said.

Mick Fallon was brought on board as draftsman for the project, putting the design down on paper.

Dr Martel used another one of his professional skills - as a licensed pilot - to fly the trio to look at other hospitals in October 2017.

"I wanted to help them understand what I was wanting," he said. "They came back impressed and Mick and I designed the building."

A development application was submitted to Griffith City Council on November 2017, which was approved in January 2018.

"Between the planning and engineering departments they were very helpful and we fitted the design into their requirements," Dr Martel said.

At one stage Dr Martel and Mr Salvestrin door-knocked their prospective new neighbours to ensure they also approved of the development.

"We got three signatures one Friday afternoon and the fourth the following Monday," Dr Martel said. "We saved weeks by knocking on doors ourselves."

A construction certificate was issued in April 2018 and building commenced shortly after.

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