A MAJOR redevelopment of a shopping area and housing estate in Wickford is due to be given the go-ahead this month.

The regeneration project for the Nevendon Road estate will include at least ten affordable homes being built and the demolition of the existing Park Lodge Community Hall.

Basildon Council leader Phil Turner believes the project will boost a “tired” part of the town.

The total project, which will include the building of ten two-bedroom houses, is expected to cost about £2million.

It will also see improvements made to the parade of shops in the road, which currently includes a Costcutter convenience store, hair salon and newsagent.

Mr Turner said: “We haven’t hidden our ambition for Wickford residents. It is a priority and we have done a lot to try to boost the High Street and that work is ongoing.

“This area of town is in need of some investment. It is not falling apart at the seams, but it is something where we can do a bit to help.

“With sizeable investment, we can give this area a real uplift which will benefit residents and retailers.

“The shops will be getting a makeover as the whole area at the moment is perhaps underutilised and a bit tired.”

A regeneration scheme for Nevendon Road was first put forward as a council priority in 2008.

In January 2010, cabinet approved the allocation of £1million of funding, but the council’s preferred developer withdrew from the project in 2012.

The Park Lodge Community Hall will be knocked down to make way for the new homes, with £85,000 being set aside for community projects elsewhere.

An alternative option, which has been discounted by council officers, would have seen a new hall built in Kershaw Close, costing £360,000.

In a report to councillors, head of regeneration Claire Hamilton said: “The community hall is not used by the local community and is in a state of disrepair. There are no current users.”

Cabinet members are expected to approve the project at a meeting on Thursday.

Design work is due to take place later this year, with a view to completing the project by September 2017.