A new medical facility in Rainham that will provide GP and community health services has now entered its next phase of development.

Beam Park Health Centre, expected to open in 2024, will be built over two floors of a 12-storey building in Halewood Way.

It is part of the plans to redevelop the former Ford factory site for thousands of new homes.

Dagenham and Rainham MP Jon Cruddas said last March he received confirmation of the health centre opening, which came amidst ongoing uncertainty over the future of a proposed train station for Beam Park.

Work has now begun to fit out the health centre after a successful completion of external and shell elements of the building, NHS North East London said.

It will span a 1,500 square metre space and will have 22 consulting rooms, three interview rooms, one enhanced treatment room and an open plan office with 25 desk spaces.

READ MORE: 'Massive relief’: Beam Park health centre confirmed despite station controversy

Once completed, the facility will have a new GP surgery as well as a range of other specialist GP-led services.

NHS North East London put together the plans for the facility in conjunction with Barking and Dagenham and Havering Councils as well as developers Countryside and L&Q.

Sarah See, managing director for primary care at NHS North East London, said the centre will be “a fantastic asset to the local community”.

She added: “As well as providing a range of vital health services for Beam Park residents, it will play an important role in the work we are doing with our local partners to address health inequalities and encourage healthier lifestyles."

Councillor Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council, also welcomed the centre.

He said the facility will “ensure residents have access to the latest facilities in a tailor-made centre on their doorstep.”

The Beam Park regeneration scheme will deliver 3,000 homes and provide 50 per cent 'affordable' housing.

The plan also includes two schools, retail spaces, a gym, a nursery, a multi-faith centre and two energy centres.