A disused sports ground could be turned into a major new health complex after it was finally sold.

The former Crittall Sports and Social Club in Braintree - unused for five years - is set to be sold to a health and fitness firm.

Norcros Estates - owner of the site on the Springwood Industrial Estate - today said the sale was due to be completed by the end of the month.

Property director Tim Rix added he was unable to name the company until the deal was finalised.

But he said the move would bring new jobs to the town.

Mr Rix also said: "It will be a firm which is new to the area and is looking to expand into Braintree. It's going to be used in a similar way to when it was open. But it will available to the public more than its previous use which was exclusive to Crittall workers.

The site had been on the market for £750,000 but it is believed to be sold for less. The deal will end speculation the six-acre Springwood Industrial Estate site might be turned into offices.

The club was being marketed as offering a range of uses including leisure, entertainment, offices and even a church.

It was opened by Margaret Thatcher as part of an £18 million Crittall complex in 1990.

Braintree Town Football Club showed an interest in moving to the site earlier this year before talks broke down.

News of the deal comes less than a week after plans for a major leisure development near Freeport Factory Village were announced.

A planning application is to be submitted shortly.

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