A MARKS and Spencer Food and Costa could be coming to Basildon Hospital.

The hospital has applied to Basildon Council to build a new entrance to the hospital, in Nethermayne.

If approved, the new entranceway will house the M&S food store, WH Smiths, Boots and Costa.

The external area in front of the new building would also be landscaped to create a pedestrian friendly public realm and emergency vehicles, public vehicles and taxis would be segregated from the main entrance building.

Planning documents read: “The main Entrance at Basildon Hospital is highly used by patients and visitors to navigate through to the desired department or ward.

“The proposed extension is to be built to create a more inviting and prominent entrance to the hospital.

“At present it is not clear that it is the main entrance.

“This new extension will create a landmark entrance which will provide a focal point and provide clarity for members of the public visiting the hospital.

“This new building will provide a high quality transitional space and uplifting environment for patients, staff and visitors.”

The report reveals the new entrance will provide the trust with an opportunity to introduce valuable retail space within the hospital.

The report continued: “The entrance building’s existing footprint currently does not allow for this.

The proposed new retail spaces will be a real asset to both staff and patients.

“There will be three new retail spaces within the new building – Boots, WH Smiths and Marks and Spencer Food –and the existing restaurant will be re-configured to introduce a new coffee shop, Costa and also improve the existing seating area and servery area.”

Boots will continue in the hospital’s outpatient pharmacy.