South Essex health centre in Pitsea moves to next stage after demolition

Demolition at the Pitsea site is complete and groundworks are underway; the new community diagnostic centre is due to open in spring 2027 and is expected to provide about 120,000 appointments a year.

Demolition at the Pitsea site has finished and the area has been fully cleared. Groundworks are now underway on Northlands Pavement for a new community diagnostic centre on the former site of The Place leisure centre and Pitsea Library. The scheme is a joint project between Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Basildon Borough Council and Essex County Council and will also include a community centre and library. Officials say the centre will include an eight-room endoscopy unit and CT and MRI scanners and is scheduled to open in spring 2027. Key facts: - Demolition and site clearance of the former The Place leisure centre and Pitsea Library have been completed. - Groundworks began after demolition and MTX started on site in December, Basildon Council reported. - The centre is described as the region's largest Community Diagnostic Centre and will sit on Northlands Pavement. - Planned facilities include an eight-room endoscopy unit, CT and MRI scanners. - The completed building is expected to deliver around 120,000 appointments per year and ease pressure on Basildon Hospital. Summary: The project is intended to bring more diagnostic services and a community facility closer to local residents, which officials say will reduce pressure on Basildon Hospital. Construction will continue through the coming months with an anticipated opening in spring 2027.