Multi-million-pound plans to transform the former Debenhams in Eastgate Shopping Centre into a ”mini hospital” have moved a step closer.

Basildon Council’s planning committee initially gave the plans the nod in February.

Now nearly six months later the detailed bid has finally been rubber-stamped by council planning bosses.

The plan will see the former Debenhams in the Eastgate Centre turned into a new state of the art “mini-hospital” across three storeys. Details revealed in council documents showed the facility will be able to carry out minor surgery, endoscopy, ophthalmology as well as major surgery such as knee and hip replacements.

It will also be able to carry out both MRI scans and CT scans.

How the store looks now as it is set to be transformedHow the store looks now as it is set to be transformed (Image: Newsquest)

Deputy Labour leader Adele Brown believes the plans will be a boon for Basildon and the town centre.

She said: “The conversion of the former Debenhams store into a state-of-the-art medical centre is a big step forward in the revitalising of the town centre and making essential services available for residents addresses urgent need and enhances the vibrancy of the Eastgate centre.

“This will ensure it remains a vital hub for the community and I am confident that with project with have long-lasting benefits in terms of enhanced health outcomes for our residents and benefits to economic growth.”

The plans have been approved despite the NHS raising concerns that the majority of the services will be private healthcare and raised concerns there could be a “negative workforce impact” on the NHS.

Speaking previously, Basildon Council planning officers said the applicant confirmed the “business model is funded by insurance and self-paying private patients”.

Their report report to councillors said: “However, this does not limit the facility from supporting the local NHS system in the future should there be a requirement by the NHS commissioning team for services and support.”

The Debenhams shop has remained empty since it closed in May 2021. The works are set to take “around 18-months” to complete, and the facility will create 300 new jobs. The applicant, Basildon Health Centre LTD, has insisted the centre will help slash waiting lists and ensure residents can receive treatment.