CONSTRUCTION is finally under way on two new multi-million pound health centres in Westcliff.

NHS South East Essex organised two ceremonies to mark the start of work to transform two sites.

The developments are in North Road and Valkyrie Road, and will boast services including GP surgeries, a pharmacy, blood taking and community nursing services. The centres are due to open in spring 2013.

Katherine Kirk, chairman of NHS South East Essex, who was present at the turf-turning event, said: “It was a very important landmark.

“Everyone involved in the projects has been working with one goal in mind – to provide residents of Westcliff and Southend with a more efficient, effective health service.

“They will soon benefit from new fit-for-purpose buildings, which offer a greater range of services under one roof.”

Dr Rupert Halliday, GP at the exisiting Valkyrie Road Surgery, said: “I would like to share how delighted we are that building work has now begun.

“By offering a wide range of healthcare services closer to patients’ homes, we will be able to transform healthcare provision in the area and ensure the health needs of residents are met.”

The land in North Road is a former industrial site, while the Valkyrie Road site was formerly occupied by a Riley’s snooker hall.

Both centres will be two-storey and the combined cost is in the region of £15million, with an estimated 40,000 residents served by the centres.