A multi-million pound redevelopment of Braintree town centre is to overcome its last major hurdle after the NHS ring-fenced cash for the project.

Braintree Council hopes to revitalise the town centre’s nightlife with plans to change the Victoria Street bus park into a restaurant and leisure complex with a new GP surgery for Mount Chambers.

However the three-year-long plans have stalled in recent months after the NHS failed to initially offer cash or give a “clear commitment”.

Following a meeting last Monday, the NHS revealed it has approved funding.

Graham Butland, leader of Braintree Council, said: “The development is looking more promising now.”

See Thursday's paper for a special report into the Henry Boot scheme and what happens next.