Rochford Hospital was today set for a £22million revamp as a mental health centre - 11 years after it was shut down.
The proposal, just lodged with Rochford District Council, will lead to services at Runwell mental hospital transferred to the town.
Up to 400 workers will be based at the site when services transfer from Runwell.
And it is hoped the mammoth project will help regenerate the town by bringing new jobs and boosting business trade.
Nigel Leonard, reprovision project director of South Essex Partnership NHS Trust said: "Runwell is destined to close because of modernisation plans nationally and it is in quite bad order itself.
"A number of services will move back to Rochford. The buildings need extensive work and modernisation. We're aiming to bring it up to date for the 21st Century.
He said: "There will be 400 members of staff on the site at any one time and they will be using the facilities in the town helping to regenerate the area. Staff won't lose their jobs, they will move with their wards and we will consult them on whether they will move to Rochford. Some won't be able to and so there will be jobs available - although I can't say how many."
The move would see 148 more beds at Rochford, which was originally closed 11 years ago, leaving just offices and clinics being used on the site.
If planning permission is granted it will need NHS approval before building work starts in 2004 for completion in 2005.
Published Monday, December 16, 2002
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