THE Towngate Theatre and Basildon Centre could be demolished and replaced within six years.

Essex County Council is in talks with Basildon Council about a joint headquarters in Basildon town centre, as part of a £1billion regeneration programme.

The proposed civic centre is planned to go where the market currently is. The market would then move the Town Square area of the town centre.

The new building would allow both councils to share meeting rooms, hi-tech reception area and other facilities.

However, Basildon Council is still carrying out £2million improvements to the Basildon Centre, despite council leader Malcolm Buckley wanting to move as soon as possible.

Essex Police, Essex Fire and Rescue Service and South West Essex Primary Care Trust are also interested in using the customer contact centre, according to a county council report.

Mr Buckley said: "Part of the regeneration is to end up with services in shared facilities.

"It has to be a good thing in terms of reduced costs and it makes services more accessible to the public.

"As far as I am concerned, we want this the sooner the better, but 2014 is the realistic target."

Meanwhile, the district council expects to announce the name of the development consortium to regenerate Basildon in October.