A SHOPPING centre has been revealed as the preferred site for a super surgery in Witham.

Newlands Shopping Centre has been confirmed as the site of choice by the mid Essex clinical commissioning group following a review of the potential options.

The CCG has been considering places for a multi-purpose surgery, potentially housing some, or all, of the town’s GPs, since last year.

A spokesman said: “A Witham operational management group has been set up to oversee the detailed planning required for the development.

“Witham GPs are working with the project team to make sure the new centre is clinically appropriate and can cope with future patient numbers and services.

“The need for clinical leadership in this part of the project is of utmost importance to the CGG.

“An outline business case for the facility is also being developed, to show the Government the health centre will offer good value and remain affordable.”

The business case is due to be completed at the end of September and the CCG will be keeping an oversight committee updated.

Priti Patel, MP for Witham, said: “These redevelopment plans provide an exciting opportunity to house this new facility right in the centre of the town and achieve my campaign objective: to improve patient experience and access to healthcare provision in Witham.

“However, the new centre will need to be fully integrated and multi-purpose in order to meet the growing needs of my constituents.”

Discussions will continue.