THE sale of a town centre shopping centre has sparked hopes it will feature in the next phase of a major regeneration.

Council bosses are currently in discussions about the future of Wickford, with the Willows Shopping Centre mooted as a key part of the blueprint.

It comes as London and Cambridge Property took over as owners of the centre.

The firm led a £30million regeneration of Pitsea, which most recently saw a huge Range department store open up.

The Echo revealed earlier this month that both Wickford Community Centre and library, which are next to the Willows, could be moved as part of a £50,000 scheme to regenerate a neglected park.

Tory council leader Phil Turner has not ruled out moving the facilities, in Market Road, to Nevendon Park.

He confirmed discussions are underway for the second phase of Wickford’s regeneration.

A private meeting is to be held at Basildon Council tonight, where plans for the town will be discussed further.

It has prompted campaigners to speculate whether the Willows, library and community centre will be incorporated in one scheme.

David Harrison, leader of the Wickford Independents, believes the Willows could be extended to take over the space currently occupied by the two buildings, something he opposes.

He has lobbied pub chainWetherspoons over the possibility of opening a pub in the town, with land on the town’s former market identified as potential development land.

Mr Harrison said: “I believe there is only one vacant unit in that centre, so if there was a project it would have to be pretty big.

“You also have to consider there’s a fair bit of residential development with that part too.

“I am pretty sure there is some sort of covenant on the car park between the community centre and the Willows.

“A good few years ago, we met with Wetherspoons to see if they saw Wickford as an option, but there was nothing really here at the time.

“Things have changed, and with that, they might have a change of heart.”

Peter Holliman, Tory councillor for Wickford Castledon, said the council will take “a holistic approach” to redeveloping the town.

Mr Holliman, a former Wickford Independents councillor, said: “Whilst there are no concrete plans laid down as yet, I am assured the Willows will have a big part to play.

“Phil Turner has made it clear that Wickford is the council’s priority and wants to get the next phase of the revamp right.

“If you were to ask people in the town what they want improved, the main car park as well as the station area.”