A state-of-the-art science park which could bring hundreds of jobs to the area has moved one step closer to reality.

An agreement has been made between pharmaceutical giant Sanofi and MedicX, a leading healthcare investment and development company, to bring the business-east regeneration programme to fruition.

The creation of the new NHS health facility - which includes provisions for community health and dental facilities - could be open as early as the end of next year, subject to funding.

The regeneration of the 17 acre site is envisioned to provide a long-lasting legacy for the borough on behalf of Sanofi, which stopped production at its Dagenham site in June last year.

Tony Coke, Primary Care Director of MedicX, said: “The MedicX healthcare property track record in Greater London demonstrates our ability to deliver modern premises bespoke to the health needs and requirements of local communities, for now and the years to come.

“MedicX is excited to be involved in this project and working with the partners to deliver such an important health project.”

Mark Bass, Sanofi’s Land Development & Partnership Leader for the Dagenham Site, said: “Creating a health facility in Dagenham that will benefit the local community has been one of the cornerstones of our site regeneration programme from the very start.”

The future of the business-east redevelopment was thrown into doubt at the end of last year after an application to the Mayor’s growth fund was turned down.