Residents are being given the chance to have a say about multi-million pound plans which will change Pitsea for ever.

A two-week exhibition will give residents a chance to see what consultants' Pitsea Town Centre Masterplan proposes for the area and question officials about it.

The exhibition opens next Tuesday in Pitsea Leisure Centre and will give full details of the ideas suggested by Basildon Council's consultant, GVA Grimley.

Over the next 20 years Grimley envisages development in four key areas which it has christened: l CENTRAL GATEWAY - An open space along Station Approach, including part of a moved Pitsea Market, with a landmark development of shops, offices and homes l HEALTHY LIVING QUARTER - Between the market and Wickford Avenue, offering new community and leisure facilities l RETAIL HEART - A new High Street, running along the north side of the Broadway and Northlands Pavement l EASTERN APPROACH - An area of major shops and new homes on the site of the existing retail park, south of Pitsea Broadway.

Residents will be asked to give their views on the proposals by filling in questionaires at the exhibition.

Stephen Horgan, Tory cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This is another chance for residents to have their say on the future of Pitsea.

"Many said they wanted the original mock-Tudor facades on buildings retained and these feature in the vision.

"It is vital local people have their say on what has so far been put together.

"The town centre needs to be a place where people can shop, work, and enjoy themselves. Most importantly, there is a need for the regeneration of the town centre to create a high-quality destination that helps to raise the profile and image of Pitsea."

Chris Balch, chairman of the Basildon Renaissance Partnership, which is also involved in the revamp, said: "The aim is to make Pitsea town centre a better and more desirable area to visit, live and work.

"It is an important part of the overall vision for the future of the Basildon District."

The exhibition will be open at Pitsea Leisure Centre, on Northlands Pavement, on January 16, 18, 23 and 25. between 5.30pm and 8pm. It will also be open on January 17 and 24 between 10am and 3.30pm and on January 20 and 27, from 11am to 3.30pm.

The plans can also be viewed at the planning desk in the Basildon Centre or by visiting www.basildondistrict.com and putting "Pitsea Masterplan" into the search window.