A NEW plaza and big screen will be put up as part of plans to redevelop Basildon’s Festival Leisure Park.

The 4m-high by 8m-wide LCD screen will be put above a new plaza area at the park, known locally as Bas Vegas, off Cranes Farm Road.

The first phase of works will see the area at the entrance opened up further to allow more use of outside space.

An area will also be created in the plaza for events to be staged.

Pavements will be widened and the disabled parking area will be moved, but remain the same size.

The second phase will see the installation of the big screen, which will be available to advertisers.

It will also offer park visitors a chance to watch sporting events and popular shows, while dining out doors.

The third phase, scheduled for 2013, will see development work to the site, but planning applications have not yet been submitted.

Initially, it was planned to do all the work in one phase, but that has since been revised to minimise disruption to visitors and businesses. Work begins in August.

Peter Scopes, manager of the park said: “We are very excited about the planned development work over this year and next.

“The decision to phase the renovation across 2012 and 2013 helps us to maintain the ongoing success of the park, with minimum disruption to the site.

“The addition of the new giant screen will be fantastic for visitors to enjoy major TV shows and sporting events with friends and family, and will be a great addition the planned plaza. I am positive the two phases this year will not only modernise the park, but provide a new atmosphere that will prove irresistible.”

Empty units at the park, including the Sky bar, will be filled after the redevelopment, Mr Scopes added, although there are currently no details of who will move in.