WORK has started on transforming Basildon’s former Debenhams store in the Eastgate Shopping Centre into a “mini-hospital” which will create 300 jobs. 

Craig Rimmer, Conservative councillor responsible for economic stimulus and tourism, confirmed that builders moved in on Tuesday after hoardings and signs were put up around the site on Monday. 

The new mini-hospital, which is set to take “around 18-months” to complete, will create 300 new jobs and aims to slash NHS waiting lists. 

Both NHS and private healthcare services will be on offer across the three floors and the Basildon Health Centre will be equipped with MRI machines, CT scanners, X-ray machines and ultrasound equipment. 

Echo: New addition - Basildon Health CentreNew addition - Basildon Health Centre (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Rimmer said: “It’s extremely exciting.

“Once open, it’ll take pressure off Basildon Hospital, in terms of waiting lists, people will be able to be seen, tested and receive treatment quicker.

“With the Eastgate Shopping Centre becoming a mixed-use space as a result of the health centre, it’ll drive even more footfall to the businesses surrounding it.

“I’m looking forward to the Basildon Health Centre opening and seeing the community using what is going to be a fantastic facility.”

The Debenhams shop has remained empty since it closed in May 2021.

Even though the new health centre is inside Eastgate Shopping Centre, owned by Galliard Homes, the space is controlled separately by property development business Fenton Whelan.

As well as having the equipment, it will also offer 24/7 medical care, day and outpatient services and overnight hospital rooms.

Tracy Paul, 62, from Basildon, said: “It’s great news.

“Having mixed-use facilities inside the Eastgate Shopping Centre is brilliant because it’ll allow people to do shopping, as well as pop in for appointments.

“Also, the Basildon Health Centre will take pressure off the main hospital so that doctors and nurses can attend to those who need to be seen most quicker.

Echo: Supporting the project - Tracy PaulSupporting the project - Tracy Paul (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s going to be a great investment when it does open.”

Maureen Bowden, from Vange, also backs the idea. She said: “It’s brilliant to know something new is coming to Basildon given many places have shut down.

“It’ll be ideal as people won’t necessarily have to travel far to get to Basildon Hospital.

“I look forward to seeing how well it does.”

Echo: Excited - Maureen Bowden outside the new health centreExcited - Maureen Bowden outside the new health centre (Image: Newsquest)