A BRAND new community centre, library and sports pitch could be on their way to Pitsea as part of fresh plans for its multimillion pound regeneration.

Basildon Council has unveiled proposals for the second phase of the project, which could see the The Place, in Northlands Pavement, knocked down to make way for a new community centre - complete with state-of-the-art gym and library.

Eversley Leisure Centre, in Crest Avenue, is in line for an expansion and makeover, with plans for a new all-weather sports pitch.

As part of the regeneration plans, Dipple Medical Centre, in Wickford Avenue, will be overhauled by the council, and new homes could be build on the site of the former Pitsea Area Housing Office, in Northlands Pavement.

Terri Sargent, councillor responsible for environment and community, believes the plans will boost the town - as long as existing services are retained.

The over 50s day centre based in The Place underwent a £150,000 makeover just four years ago.

She said: “It’s all quite exciting really, it will be the icing on the cake if it goes ahead, it will be a really big boost for the community.

“At the moment as you walk across the square it looks really nice, but you get near to The Place and think it needs to be done.

“But we must make sure provision for things like the day centre are still there, it’s an ageing population, its important for health and wellbeing.”

Labour group leader Gavin Callaghan, a ward councillor in Pitsea North West, welcomed improvements to the Dipple Medical Centre.

He said: “I have long maintained that Pitsea should have a medical centre with a minor surgery unit. It would take some pressure off Basildon Hospital if some tests could be done locally. It would also help to retain GPs.

The proposals will go out to public consultation if they are approved by cabin members at a meeting next Thursday.

Basildon Council leader Phil Turner said: “It’s great to see the next phase of Pitsea improvement moving forward. There’s still a lot of discussion to be had with residents but we think we have a really strong starting point.

“The Place, whether we like it or not, is hugely underused, and costs taxpayers almost half a million in subsidy every year. Retaining enough space for the things that people use it most for, such as local clubs, while providing a new home for the library and really modern new community spaces would seem sensible.

“At the same time, we want to explore investment into significantly improved facilities at Eversley Leisure Centre, including new gymnastics facilities. .

“We got it right at Pitsea last time – I’m sure we will do so again.”

The first phase of the Pitsea regeneration included the arrival of The Range, a large Aldi supermarket and a new market square.