The latest on Basildon’s regeneration plans
ShareMajor transformations are underway for this Essex town
Since proposals were approved in 2012, Basildon has been at the centre of exciting regeneration plans which encompass multiple areas of the town. Along with many other towns across the UK, Basildon has faced challenges in keeping the high street looking inviting for residents and visitors alike. But with huge investment, Basildon is committed to creating a series of positive changes that will benefit the town centre long into the future and represent fantastic investment opportunities for those on the housing ladder in this area.
East square development
One of the most talked-about changes is the forthcoming entertainment complex due to be housed at the front of East Square. In recent years, this area of town has lacked footfall and experienced shop closures that have seen the area start to look a bit rundown. This has created the perfect zone for redevelopment, and locals are incredibly excited to welcome a new Empire cinema which will have ten screens in it. This will sit alongside new bars, coffee shops and restaurants in the former Freedom House and parts of the East Walk. There’s quite a buzz surrounding the development of this complex, which is expected to resurrect Basildon as a nightlife destination spot. Work has already begun but is expected to conclude by the end of 2020 and open at some point in 2021.
South Essex college
A change which is likely to improve the academic demographic of the town is the recent investment in a new Basildon-based campus for the South Essex College. As has been seen in Southend and Thurrock which were also impacted positively by the construction of college campuses, this development is expected to bring a younger, vibrant crowd to the town, with new shops and restaurants designed to appeal to this generation. The previous Basildon campus was based somewhat out of town on a site located next to the hospital, which felt removed from the thick of the centre. The new development has already begun, with a £30 million project to create a campus focused on digital technology disciplines such as games design, animation and film production studies. This is scheduled to open in September 2020.
Accessible transport hub
Although Basildon has long been a well-connected town, the train and bus stations have not been the most accessible for the public who use them. To get to them, pedestrians have had to cross a busy road or use a daunting underpass. This will be revamped with a wide level crossing for easier access. Additionally, changes in road layout will divert traffic away from each, so that only taxis or public buses are able to travel through. This is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2020.
Additional housing
Basildon estate agents are pleased to announce that 4,000 new homes are predicted for the town, with plans for the former Post Office Building to be replaced with trendy town centre flats instead. This is situated next to the East Square development, so would be an ideal location next to local amenities.
It’s exciting to anticipate the many changes that are expected by the end of 2021 – watch this space to see how the new town will look following its facelift.