Regeneration plans in Basildon called the "biggest change in decades"
Many local residents have welcomed investment in the area
Huge regeneration plans of an Essex town will see the “biggest change in decades”, local residents say, with many welcoming the investment. Basildon residents also say the major changes will mean the town centre will be “buzzing and busier than it has been for many, many years.”
The town centre, some of which dates back to the 1970s or 80s, when Basildon was built as a new town, is seeing hundreds of new homes being built, a new mini hospital, and has also seen a new multimillion-pound Wetherspoons pub open.
Mum-of-two, Claire Godwell, 35, said: “It’s always good to see investment, I think it means these big companies think Basildon is a good place for growth and improvement. I am looking forward to the fresh look and feel, and I think it’s all very positive. I hope it will bring more people into the town centre and also more businesses too. I also think it helps to boost morale and makes people feel good and proud to be from Basildon.”
The former Debenhams in the Eastgate Shopping Centre is being transformed into a mini hospital with a huge range of services for both NHS and private patients on offer. In December, FunParx, an indoor activity centre and assault course, opened in part of the former department store.
Robert Sykes, 51, said it’s “good” to see new homes being built as they are “much needed.” He added: “There are so many people who need homes and rentals are in high demand, and there are also long waiting lists for homes too. So many struggle to get homes and on the housing ladder. I think it’s always good to tidy and clean up town centre. It will also improve people’s views on the town, I think people look down on Basildon and are cynical about it and what it has to offer. This will change all that. It’s also long overdue as the town centre looks and feels tired.”
Basildon Borough Council is planning a huge overhaul of the Westgate Shopping Park in the town centre, with around 550 new homes, a new hotel, a 3,500-seat arena, a new Aldi and more. At a meeting in November, councillors agreed on the first phase of the plans, which includes 97 extra care homes and the 100-room hotel, with a rooftop bar.
Former NHS worker Laura Hughes, 70, welcomed it, saying it “really feels like Basildon on up.” The grandmother of four added: “It’s so good to see the Wetherspoons open, it is very popular – it’s always busy. I think there is more reason to come to town than ever before. All the plans and regeneration should mean more people in the town, which means more people spending money, and also the more people around, the safer it will feel. I think Basildon will be busier than it’s been for years, especially is Aldi opens, everyone will want to come and shop here. We need another supermarket in the town centre. I know there has been some opposition to the plans but everyone I speak to is looking forward to it.”