A lead contractor has been selected as the preferred bidder to build Pitsea’s new state-of-art community diagnostic centre (CDC), which when complete will provide over 130,000 extra checks each year.

The two-storey CDC will be the largest of its kind in mid and south Essex and will play a vital role in improving access to health services and reducing waiting times across the region.

MTX Contracts, a construction and engineering company with a proven track record in delivering similar healthcare projects, including the CDCs at Lincoln and Skegness, will lead the building of the development, which will welcome its first patients in winter 2026/27.

The Pitsea CDC will include an eight-room endoscopy suite and offer X-rays, CT, and MRI scans, blood tests, and more. It will also provide a range of wellbeing services, including a purpose-built activity centre and a community library, making the building a key hub for the community.

Michael Thorpe, portfolio director at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Bringing all the services together makes it more convenient for the community to get everything they need in one place.

“And, with Pitsea being the largest of our four diagnostic centres, it means we’ll be able to see more patients in our new endoscopy, CT, and MRI services.

“By helping patients receive essential tests more quickly and closer to home, our CDCs will transform access to diagnostics across the region.”

David Hartley, MTX managing director, added: “MTX is a specialist in creating high-quality healthcare facilities in partnership with NHS trusts, using modern methods of construction to deliver them faster, greener, safer, and more cost effectively than projects using conventional building methods.

“The build is subject to the same quality checks which are underpinned by our own proven processes, design, and project management skills.

“We employ advanced technology including precisely-engineered steel structural modules manufactured offsite while groundworks and site preparation is underway.

“Those combined elements bring projects into use sooner to benefit patients and staff and ensure an earlier return on investment for the Trust.”

The project is a collaborative initiative between Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Essex County Council, and Basildon Council.

The CDC is being developed on the former site of The Place and Pitsea Library.