RESIDENTS are concerned a new healthcare centre in Colchester will be unaffordable.

Colchester Council’s cabinet approved a recommendation to release 12 acres of land as part of the Northern Gateway development, south of Axial Way.

A healthcare provider is in talks with the council about providing a facility, but residents expressed concerns they will not be able to afford it.

Pauline Bacon, from Myland Community Council, said: “My concern with this project is it’s large.

“It’s a big piece of land and it has been disposed of without us really knowing what is going there.

“It’s quite close to the existing hospital and may undermine the existing healthcare provision.

“I’m concerned we are not going to get any NHS healthcare.”

She said there were worries about whether it would be accessible to all.

She added: “I want to know when a doctors’ surgery will come in, and I want to know whether this new centre will be a private facility.

“I could not afford to access that.

“I want to know what is happening and want more details of what’s going on there.”

The cabinet said for commercial reasons it could not reveal more about the healthcare provider but said an update will be given soon.

Nick Barlow (Lib Dem), councillor responsible for commercial services, said: “Within this development there is a range of provision, including sheltered accommodation for elderly residents.

“There is commercial sensitivity but we will be looking to brief the community council in the near future.

“I am aware of the concerns and we are seeking to make sure this will serve the community in a good way.”

A variety of employment uses are already in place along Axial Way including David Lloyd, with the new cinema and sports centre in the planning stage.

The main element of the proposed healthcare centre will employ up to 150 staff.

A report said: “It is proposed the capital receipt from the disposal of this site will be allocated to form part of the funding package for the sports facility.

“The healthcare provider will primarily provide a number of different health-based uses on the site all of which will benefit the borough.

“The council proposes to dispose of this site on a long leasehold basis for a capital premium.”

As part of the land disposal, the healthcare provider will develop a range of facilities which will front onto the proposed boulevard on the site.