A WICKFORD community centre will be knocked down to make way for new homes.

Basildon Council gave the go ahead for the scheme at a cabinet meeting.

Plans include the development of the Nevendon Road estate, with improvements to the parade of shops, the public area on the estate, and the demolition of the Park Lodge Community Hall.

Stuart Sullivan, councillor responsible for regeneration said: “The regeneration is about improving Basildon throughout the borough. In the Nevendon area the plans include putting £85,000 into the community facilities.”

Terri Sargent councillor responsible for environment and community said: “It is good news that we are building homes, in conjunction with the demolition of the Park Lodge Community Centre.

“I want to thank councillor Sullivan for his work on the project, the money that will be put into the project will be more than welcome.”

Phil Turner, leader of Basildon Council, added: “It is good that we are starting the regeneration in this part of Wickford.

“This development emphasises our aim to get the basics right by regenerating neighbourhoods and making them more pleasant for our residents.”

He added it is also great to be building homes and investing in the area for the people of the community.

Basildon Council hopes to have the work completed by September 2017.