Laindon Centre: Sanctuary starts work on homes and Lidl

Housing provider Sanctuary has now begun bulldozing half-built tower blocks, which have become an eyesore on the former Laindon Shopping Centre site for the last two years to make way for the firm’s new vision.

Councillors joined the firm for a ground-breaking ceremony on Friday, with a completion date of 2026.

Once finished, the development will boast 205 homes, a Lidl and 15 other shops, a medical centre, as well as parking and open space to house the Laindon war memorial and historic fountain.

Susanna Caira-Neeson, Lee Chapel North ward Labour councillor, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic, and we can’t wait for it to be open.

“It’s been a long time coming, and it got to the point where we felt like we were the poorer relation to the four towns in Basildon borough.

“However, Laindon will finally be regenerated, and I’m over the moon.”

Construction stalled in 2022 on the plan for 224 homes in place of the former Laindon Shopping Centre as the proposal was “reviewed” after Sanctuary Housing took over the site from former developer Swan.

Andrew Baggott, leader of the Conservative-run Basildon Council, said: “This is very exciting news for residents of Laindon who have waited patiently for decades for this scheme to be delivered.

“This is a new start for residents, and I look forward to being updated on progress.”

As well as Mr Baggott, Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois, NHS north east Essex CCG chief operating officer Pamela Green, director of housing and property for Basildon Council Lesley O’Shea were some of those in attendance at last Friday’s ground-breaking ceremony.

David Soothill, Sanctuary development director UK, said: “We’re excited to start work on this project, which will create a new town centre for people at the heart of Laindon.”

Sanctuary is one of the largest not-for-profit providers of housing and care in the country, managing about 120,000 units of accommodation across England and Scotland.