AN iconic Basildon office block is on the brink of being sold, the Echo has been told.

Basildon Council confirmed a new developer, RMD Trafford House 2000 Ltd, has this week been given planning permission to transform Trafford House, in Cherrydown East.

The development would include 359 plush flats and 12,000 sq ft of shops and restaurants.

And these images – released by London29 the firm drafted in to sell the building – reveal what the development could look like.

Regeneration bosses now hope the plan will materialise and be the long-awaited springboard for rejuvenation of Basildon town centre.

Council leader Tony Ball said: “Having a vibrant night-time economy will be helped no end by having people living in the town centre.

“This is great news for the town, as it is a large building that has been out of use for a long time. The town centre masterplan is trying to create an evening economy and if this scheme comes off, it will help that become viable.’’ The council didn’t have any more details on RMD Trafford House 2000 Ltd and London29 would not reveal who currently owns the building,, or howmuch it is up for.

Edward Carter, from London29, said: “We are in negotiations and expect the building to be sold soon.”

Malcolm Buckley, the councillor for regeneration, said: “I hope it is not another speculative application."