BASILDON Council has submitted plans for a £2m GP surgery. 

The council is acting as developer and landlord for the scheme, in Market Road, Wickford, which is part of the continuing regeneration of the town.

Upon completion London Road Surgery will move into the facilities, enabling it to become a training practice developing the next generation of medics.

Richard Moore, Basildon Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and planning, said: “This is great news for Wickford and our residents.

“The new facility will provide vital public services and positively impact on the town’s wider regeneration improvements.

“We are committed to improving Wickford and the lives of our residents.

“This much-needed facility will benefit residents raising their aspirations and expectation for better heath provision as well as being a major part of our successful investment and regeneration program for Wickford.”

Outline planning permission was granted, in July, and the proposed internal layout has been developed in consultation with London Road Surgery and NHS England.

In addition to the consultation and examination rooms the plans include treatment, interview and training rooms as well as modern reception and waiting areas.

The business case for the facility calls for one extra GP and will help the surgery meet the criteria for training practice status.

Dr Janki Persaud, a GP from London Road Surgery, said: "We are delighted with the project and its progression and are looking forward to developing our service in the new premises."

The council would retain ownership and receive a rental income from the two-storey surgery which would bring a brown field site back into use and include 20 parking spaces.

Phil Turner, leader of Basildon Council, said: “Wickford residents are proud of their town and of their high street and we are happy to support them by providing the massive investment needed to keep our community vibrant.

“Wickford's development is a priority and the health facility is the latest in a long line of improvements designed to meet the needs of our community.”

To make way for the scheme and help increase town centre footfall the market has been improved and moved to Market Lane and the new public square on Wickford High Street.

The streetscene and several shop fronts have also been improved and Wickford leisure centre has benefitted from a £2.4m extension and revamp.