Work to build a state-of-the-art health hub inside Basildon’s Eastgate Shopping Centre is progressing well, the town’s council has said.
The new Basildon Health Centre is being built in the former Debenhams store and will provide a variety of inpatient and outpatient services.
That includes services commonly found in larger hospital settings, such as both minor and major surgeries, endoscopy and ophthalmology, alongside MRI and CT scans.
Plans for the centre include theatre rooms, diagnostic suites, consultation rooms, recovery areas and bed spaces alongside offices and retail units.
Internal walls have now been constructed alongside mechanical and electrical installations as the centre eyes an opening by early 2027.
Cllr Alex Myers, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development at Basildon Borough Council, said: “It’s great to see the progress being made on this fantastic new health centre, which will be a real milestone for our town centre and a clear sign of the positive changes taking place across the area.
“It’s about creating a thriving town centre where people can easily access the services they need while supporting local businesses.
“We are proud to play a part in bringing this important development to life and, once open, I know it will make a lasting difference for residents, visitors and the wider community.”
Construction on the new health centre began in January 2026, following a successful planning application on behalf of operator Thrive Health Hubs submitted in 2023.
At its peak it is hoped the centre will provide as many as 150,000 appointments a year and reduce waiting times for local people.
It will also create more than 350 jobs across clinical, administrative and support roles.
Cllr Terri Sargent, Cabinet Member for Health and Inclusion, added: “I am pleased to see work progressing on the health centre.
“Having modern, high-quality healthcare in the heart of our town will make it easier for residents to access the care and support they need closer to home, as well as when they are out and about.
“This is an excellent example of what can be achieved when the council and our NHS and private partners work together, and I am delighted that, once complete, this new facility will help improve the health and wellbeing of our residents for many years to come.”
