Diggers started tearing down the former Place Leisure Centre in Northlands Pavement, Pitsea on Friday, ahead of the construction of a large diagnostic centre to take pressure off Basildon Hospital.
The new diagnostic centre will provide much-needed diagnostic facilities including scanning and imaging services, helping to cut down wait times across south Essex.
Torn down – Diggers set to work on the Place (Image: Newsquest)
Hospital bosses have confirmed that the plans remain on track for completion in 2026, after initially being approved back in October.
Basildon Council Labour deputy leader, Adele Brown, praised the progress.
She said: “Obviously more health care is needed across this part of south Essex.
“The fact we have been chosen for this diagnostic centre is great for residents, we don’t compare to the averages of health outcomes across all of the borough so this provision is beneficial.
“As a council, we are pleased and the sooner we get that centre the better, not just for us but for the people across Essex.”
Adele added: “The role of the centre is to diagnose those who need it and we all know whatever the disease or the health problem the sooner that diagnosis comes in, the sooner there is treatment.
“That leads to better outcomes and so by having a diagnostic centre it does take pressure off whether it is in Southend or Basildon
“Whatever services this centre can do, such as the diagnostics, others can focus on the care and what is need to treat those who have been diagnosed.”
The facility will also house a redesigned Pitsea Library and community spaces under the management of Basildon Council.
Pitsea Library temporarily closed from October 17, in preparation for demolition.
Services are being provided at the neighbouring Vange Library in the meantime.
The Southend centre will be the first in mid and south Essex to open and is one of four that are in the area, the others in Thurrock, Braintree and Pitsea already in their building phases.