A former Argos store in Southend has been transformed into a new health centre.
The new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) is now open in the Victoria Shopping Centre and is expected to deliver 30,000 appointments each year.
The centre offers a range of tests, including X-rays, ultrasounds and heart tests, and aims to help cut waiting times and improve access to diagnostic care closer to home.
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Bayo Alaba, MP for Southend East and Rochford, said: "It’s fantastic to see this new community diagnostic centre opening, giving local people quicker and more convenient access to the care they need.
"For too long, residents have faced long waits for diagnostic appointments.
"This centre will make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of people in Southend."
Located in the former Argos unit inside the Victoria Shopping Centre, the CDC is operated by Thrive Health Hubs (THH) and is part of a national initiative to expand diagnostic capacity.
James Currell, acting divisional director for Clinical and Support Services at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, described the opening as a "huge moment for the community".
He said: "This centre will make it much easier for people to get the tests they need quickly and at a time and location that works for them."
The conversion forms part of a larger redevelopment, with THH working to launch the Southend Health Centre, an independent facility set to offer both NHS and private services.
Michael Catling, chief operating officer at THH, said: "We’re proud to be working with the NHS to bring high-quality diagnostic services to the heart of Southend High Street.
"By offering rapid, local access to scans and tests, the centre will help ease pressure on hospitals and speed up care for patients."
The council purchased the Victoria Shopping Centre for £10 million in 2020, with plans of the healthcare centre opening in Argos being revealed in 2025.
Councillor Maxine Sadza, cabinet member for social care and healthier communities, said: "This centre is a real benefit for residents, giving faster and easier access to tests so people can get the care they need sooner.
"Using space within The Victoria to host vital health services helps bring care closer to home and shows the strength of our partnership with the NHS."
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