WORK will begin within months on Basildon’s new £3.6 million Wetherspoon pub in the town centre.

Bosses of the bargain boozer have confirmed work will start transforming the former Poundworld, in East Walk, inside four months after scaled-back plans were given the green light by Basildon Council.

The pub will open in a key town centre site close to the new £26.7 million cinema complex.

Initial plans would have seen the pub operate across three floors in the building, but the plans have been scaled back to just two floors.

Despite the amended plan, which was approved by Basildon Council officers this week, the project will still cost £3.6 million.

Craig Rimmer, councillor responsible for economic stimulus and tourism, said: “I think it is really good they are still committed to Basildon.

“To be honest, having two sets of plans sometimes means it gives them flexibility, so they could start off with the scaled-down plans.

“But then they have got planning permission to carry out more and expand if they need too and if it’s profitable.

“Wetherspoon may be looking at it in stages. So, wouldn’t personally read it as now and forever.

“But either way, it is good they are committed, and I am sure people will welcome them back in any form. I am looking forward to them being here.”

The original plans, which were approved almost one year ago, were set to accommodate an open bar, dining, and drinking areas on the ground floor.

The first floor was planned to comprise of an open bar, dining, and drinking areas, complemented by external roof terrace areas, with staff facilities on the second floor.

The new approved plans, will still see the ground floor laid out to provide a “customer area”, with seating laid out across this area, with the rear part of the unit to provide the bar area, bottle store, various stores, kitchen, cellar, and bin store. However, the first floor is now also only to be used to provide customer toilets and staff facilities and storerooms, and the second floor will remain unused.

A spokesman for Wetherspoon said: “Plan is to push on with the big scheme, over two2 floors, that Wetherspoon has planning for. This has the first-floor terrace mentioned. Costs are still circa £3.6m.

“Ideally Wetherspoon will be aiming to be starting on site within the next three3 or four4 months.”