GPs snubbed a planned health centre on the Surbiton Hospital site, leaving critics branding the plans a “white elephant”.

NHS Kingston had hoped eight GP practices would move on to the site in spring 2013, but only four signed on the dotted line by the March 30 deadline.

Health chiefs insisted the centre would remain financially viable, despite the health centre’s expected patient list falling from 42,000 to 30,000.

However, speaking at the health overview panel on May 19, Councillor Karen George said: “Only four GPs have indicated they will relocate there, although it has room for 12.

“It does not seem to be a viable option. It is going to be another white elephant, like the Rose Theatre.”

None of the practices would speak publicly, but criticisms are believed to include the costs of moving, increased competition between surgeries in the same building, and a desire to remain autonomous.

The drop in the patient list will force pharmacists hoping to move into the building to cut the income they expect from prescriptions.

Edward Davey MP said: “It would be very disappointing if this did not go ahead because of the decisions of a few GPs. However, the Primary Care Trust (PCT) seems absolutely clear the business case still stacks up and so does the health case.”

The Berrylands Surgery, Brunswick Surgery, Langley Medical Practice and Central Surgery will move in, while the Kingsdowne Surgery, Maple Surgery, Red Lion Road Surgery and the Evesham Medical will stay put.

The PCT said community, diagnostic, outpatient and urgent care services planned for the site were unaffected and would serve a population of 73,000, with fewer GPs allowed a dental practice and some mental health services to be based there.

A spokesman for the NHS in Kingston said: “GP practices are responsible for deciding where they are based and, considering all the factors, four confirmed their intention of moving into the new building.

“These are large practices, so a lot of people will benefit from a range of improvements to primary care services, as well as the existing health services that are provided at Surbiton and the south of the borough.”

The stage two business case for the project was approved by the NHS Kingston’s board on Friday, May 20, and will now go to the strategic health authority for the final go ahead.