A POPULAR square is set for £2million worth of improvements.

Work is due to begin at St Martin’s Square within days including repaving the whole area.

The work will be undertaken by construction company Thomas Sinden, the firm responsible for moving the market onto the square.

The work will include extensive landscape improvements to the square and St Martin’s Church Gardens including around the bell tower.

The project is supported by Homes England and South Essex College.

The £2million will be spent on groundworks, drainage and new paving for the whole of St Martin’s Square including outside the Basildon Centre and Towngate Theatre. Landscape improvements will include new planters and seating as well as enhancements around the Bell Tower and car park.

The council is currently in the process of moving Basildon Market from Market Square, off Southernhay, to St Martin’s Square.

Once complete there will be 46 kiosks in place with electricity and water, as well as pop-up stalls.

The council is planning to plant Hornbeam trees once construction of the market is completed replacing ones which were controversially cut down.

A spokesman for Basildon Council said: “The public realm works have been through a thorough tendering process and are a crucial part of the wider market project.

“The works will open the space up, reducing the chance of antisocial behaviour and making St Martin’s Square more visible.

“The market relocation was always scheduled to be carried out ahead of the public realm works.

“We understand that there may be some disruption, but will aim to keep this to a minimum.

“Access to the Basildon Centre, Towngate Theatre and St Martin’s Church will remain at all times. Funding for the project was released as part of the Nethermayne project, and supported by Basildon Council’s regeneration fund.”