WORK is underway on a new health centre in Wickford.

Wickford residents can look forward to a new, state-of-the-art health centre which will provide a modern premises for a better health service for the growing population of Wickford and continues Basildon Council’s regeneration of the town.

Phil Turner, Basildon Council Leader was joined by MP Mark Francois and representatives from the NHS, Essex County Council and London Road Surgery at the first soil turn of the £2million project.

The project is being led by the council, with £500,000 of funding support from Essex County Council. The new health centre will include eight examination rooms and three treatment rooms and will see an increase in the number of available GP’s.

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

Apex Contractors were appointed to carry out the design and build the facility after planning permission was granted in July 2015.

Completion is expected in July 2017, when the London Road Surgery Wickford will move into the new facility, enabling it to become a training practice for the next generation of doctors.

Phil Turner, Leader of Basildon Council said: “This fantastic, state-of-the-art health facility will be the keystone in the revival of the town, building on recent regeneration projects throughout the borough.

"Wickford residents will benefit from the vital public services and better health provision that this new facility will deliver.

"As well as providing health services, it will also act as a training facility, attracting new doctors to the Wickford area.”