ONE of Basildon’s oldest pieces of public art has been returned to Basildon town centre, taking pride of place at the new town centre cinema complex. 

“Man Aspires” was carefully removed and safely and securely stored in 2019 ahead of the East Square redevelopment. 

The art was created from wire and aluminium and designed by sculptor AJ Poole. 

On Friday, the art was reinstated overlooking the square on the outside of the new ten-screen Empire Cinema. 

Andrew Schrader, chairman of the estate renewal committee at Basildon Council, said it was great to have the art back in place in the town centre.

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He said: “It is lovely to see it back in place and it is looking great following the restoration work.

“It is an iconic part of Basildon’s history, so it is nice to see it back where it belongs.

“I hope due to its location, it will stop it from being vandalised too.

“We hope it will go on being appreciated by Basildon residents for many years to come.”

It still isn’t clear when the Empire Cinema will open to the public, however, the exterior construction is now complete and a number of restaurants have signed up to open.

Andrew Baggott, leader of the council and Conservative group, added: “We are really happy it is back as it is an iconic feature of Basildon town centre.

“I am hoping what it does as a symbol is show that Basildon Council is committed to a new town centre dedicated to what we have heard from the people of Basildon.

“It is an iconic symbol of Basildon and will be something we can now enjoy going forward and hopefully without any vandalised too.

“With the new cinema complex coming too, it is all part of create that new town centre for the residents.”