THE developer behind a new healthcare facility, which is replacing a former south Essex Debenhams store, has pulled out but bosses of the shopping centre insisting they are "bringing forward this pioneering medical facility."

Fenton Whelan is no longer involved with the development at Basildon's Eastgate Shopping Centre, which will see comprehensive diagnostic capabilities such as MRI, CT, X-ray, and Ultrasound. Under the plans, the ground floor would largely be made up of servicing areas, consultation rooms, retail and reception areas. The first and second floors are a combination of theatre rooms, recovery areas and inpatient bed spaces.

A spokesman for Fenton Whelan confirm the firm has "exited the Basildon scheme partnership."

Galliard Homes completed the purchase of the shopping centre in March 2023. It has a joint venture plan to reposition the town centre and deliver retail, leisure and community facilities in the heart of Basildon, which it describes as the "economic powerhouse" of Essex.

Basildon Borough Council also has plans for a "vibrant and dynamic hub" to transform how people use the town centre.

A spokesperson for Galliard Homes said: "The consortium delivering Basildon Health Centre has been proceeding with the project independently of Fenton Whelan since January.  A Section 106 agreement was completed in August and planning permission has now been issued. They are now concentrating on bringing forward this pioneering medical facility. We will share further updates as soon as they become available."

The new healthcare facility was been granted permission for a change of use at a meeting of Basildon Council's planning committee in February last year. It is anticipated that the centre will provide facilities for minor surgery, endoscopy and ophthalmology through to major surgery such as knee and hip replacements. The facility will include consultation rooms, retail space, reception areas, theatre rooms, recovery areas and bed spaces for in-patients.

Adele Brown, Basildon Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for planning and infrastructure, said: "I believe this would have been a positive thing to take the stress off the NHS, but as a council we have no control over the developer or their plans.

"I think it is important to note that it is a private medical centre, the majority of people wouldn't be using it but it would still be of benefit. They would do some work with the NHS and that would help them at this moment.

"The largest impact on the borough's healthcare provision will be the Pitsea diagnostic centre, which is currently in development to provide much-needed diagnostic facilities to help local people receive treatment faster."