FAMILIES have the chance to get a first look at the latest designs for the proposed new medical centre that will “bring health and care services to heart of Tilbury”.

The Tilbury and Chadwell Integrated Medical Centre, planned for the site of the Tilbury Community Resource Centre in Civic Square, is one of four planned across the borough, along with others in Purfleet, Corringham, and Grays.

Thurrock Council and its NHS partners are investing in health and care services to make them more accessible, closer to home and ensure they are provided in modern, purpose-built facilities.

The centres will also improve access to clinical services currently located at Orsett Hospital.

Having agreed to provide up to £20million to build the IMC in Tilbury earlier this month, Thurrock Council is now sharing initial concept designs and drawings with the community.

The latest plans, which are being shared at an engagement event at Tilbury Hub and Library today, indicate initial floor plans and some of the planned features of the building.

Split across three floors, the ground floor is expected to be home to a library, community areas, meeting rooms and mobile imaging, while the first floor is set to be used for clinical services, including consultation, examination and treatment rooms.

Similar rooms are also planned for the second floor, as well as therapy rooms, procedure rooms and blood testing facilities.

James Halden, councillor responsible for health, said: “These plans for a new Integrated Medical Centre will bring modern social care, community health, hospital and GP services together under one roof, much closer to the communities of Tilbury and Chadwell.

“The centre will significantly improve the whole range and quality of health and care services available, and forms a major part of our ambitious proposals for the regeneration of Tilbury Civic Square.”

Mandy Ansell, Accountable Officer at NHS Thurrock CCG, said: “Showcasing these early designs in Tilbury allows the public to see first-hand what their new Integrated Medical Centre is likely to look like.”

Display boards and feedback forms will remain available at the library until Friday, 5 October.