Basildon Masterplan: 5,000 jobs and health centre in revamp plan

Basildon Council’s planning committee approved plans for the 492 homes between Market Square and Town Square on Wednesday as part of the town centre’s regeneration.

New details of the regeneration include a new health centre for 15,000 patients, up to £3million invested in education plus £9.7million funding to improve parking and support housing development.

The developer Orwell Limited has worked on a range of projects including a development at Battersea Power Station, London and St Michael’s Retail Park, Basingstoke.

Leader of Basildon Council Gavin Callaghan said: “This development along with a number of other proposals coming forward represents an exciting opportunity to help kick-start the regeneration of the area by encouraging more people to live and work within it.

“Such investments will help revitalise the fortunes of our town centre and Basildon will bounce back to its rightful place as the capital of South Essex, delivering new growth and jobs, and build wider public and business confidence in the area.”

A new digital campus is already complete, and the new Empire cinema and restaurant scheme is on track to open by the end of the year.

The 492 new homes will all be available to rent,

It comes after residents formed a party to fight the plans.

The Basildon Community Residents Party has been formed by 20 people who believe Basildon Council’s masterplan will create a “high-rise housing estate” in the town centre.

The regeneration of the town centre will see the creation of 5,000 new jobs, a new multi-use arena, outdoor entertainment, more cultural spaces and activity, along with more restaurants, shops and a proud mix of independent retailers.

The new Youth Zone will provide more opportunities for every 8-19-year-old and 500 new council houses will put Basildon residents first.

A new improved bus and train station will be built alongside improvements to 20 miles of cycling and pedestrian routes.