Laindon centre to be knocked down

4:19pm Wednesday 23rd April 2008

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THE demolition of the rundown Laindon Shopping Centre is to begin at last, following six years of uncertainty.

Developer Collonade will pull down the landmark Clock House to signal the start of long-awaited regeneration.

The developer has permission to bulldoze the 1960s centre, but is still seeking approval from the council for plans to build a new housing estate, complete with High Street shops.

Collonade spokesman Alastair Watson said: "We are moving ahead and are on track to submit a planning application in the coming months, following further consultation.

"Residents and tenants made it clear they wanted to see something happen as soon as possible. The Clock House demolition work is good news for Laindon, it marks our commitment."

An event to mark the start of work takes place at 11am on Monday.

The clock will be removed from the building and handed over to Basildon Council chairman Sandra Hillier for safe storage at Wat Tyler Park.

The demolition is the first sign of work since redevelopment proposals were first floated by former owner Lakehill Investments in 2002. Lakehill sold the centre to Collonade after hitting financial snags with the project.

Trader Roy Hudson, who runs the Pints n' Litres off licence at the centre, said: "I'm pleased things are moving forward at last. I believe this company is committed to getting it done."

Stephen Horgan, councillor in charge of regeneration, said: "I am very pleased we have got a developer actually getting on and doing something, and commited to wholesale change.

"It does not mean we have endorsed their plans, because we have yet to see them in full, but look forward to the consultation and vigorous debate."

John Dornan, a Tory councillor for Laindon Park, said: "I want the best for the people of Laindon and do not want to be seen siding with developers until they can show me a planning application residents are happy with."

Hugh Lipscombe, chairman of Laindon Traders Association, complained: "I knew nothing about this and we were told we would be kept up to date all the way."