RETAIL giants are battling for the last remaining spot at a new retail park, as major construction and demolition work gets underway.
Workmen have been busy flattening the existing buildings at the junction of Miles Gray Road and Luckyn Lane, which will bring a Lidl store to the new St Hilary Retail Park.
Developers have revealed how a fashion chain, a supermarket, and sportswear brand are all fighting to win the contract for the last building at the retail park.
Currently, Lidl, newly confirmed Tile Mountain, and LoknStore, have been named as businesses for the park.
A restaurant is set to be announced shortly, with another cafe or food outlet to be confirmed down the line.
Read more >> Supermarket giant Lidl sets sights on fourth Basildon store - with shop set for new retail park
Matt Williams, from developers Rex Land, who are behind the plans, said: “It’s going to be a really exciting scheme.
“We didn’t think we would even be in this position because of Covid, so we’re delighted.
“There’s a lot of interest in the last, stand alone retail spot.
“There’s also a lot of interest in the second cafe or restaurant.
“The demolition contract will be going on until at least the end of contract and we hope to be starting building later in the year.”
Completion is expected in the second half of 2022.
This will be the fourth Lidl store in the area, joining supermarkets in Pitsea, Laindon and Mayflower Retail Park.
It comes as Aldi has announced a mass expansion in the county, wanting to build nine new stores in south Essex areas such as Basildon and Shoebury.
Mayor of Basildon, David Dadds, added: “Competition like this can only be a good thing for consumers and residents.”
The new retail park will see 175 car parking spaces included too.
It will sit opposite the existing Pipps Hill Retail Park, which features supermarket giants Asda, and stores such as B and Q, Argos, and Burger King.
Former deputy leader of Basildon Council, Kerry Smith, added: “Competition in Basildon is welcome.
“I would have preferred to see it in the town centre but I know that’s not Lidl’s business model.”
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