Basildon £3 million Wetherspoon plans granted by council

Basildon Council has agreed plans to build the three-storey pub on the site of the former Poundworld in East Walk - close to the town’s new £25 million cinema complex. 

Plans that were submitted back in November 2022 show the site will boast a roof terrace overlooking the cinema development.

The new pub comes after Wetherspoon’s previous site, Moon On The Square, closed in September.

Despite plans now being granted, bosses at the pub firm still remained tight-lipped on any timeline for the works.

Spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We are delighted that planning has been granted for the new Wetherspoon pub in Basildon.

“As yet there are no on site or opening dates.”

The news will come as a huge vote of confidence in Basildon, with a dozens of Wetherspoon pubs closing up and down the country since the Covid pandemic. 

Craig Rimmer, councillor responsible for regeneration, said: “It is fantastic news.

“People have obviously missed the Moon On The Square and are happy and excited about the plans for this large site.

“It has more drinking areas and entertainment areas which is something people are interested in.

“There is also a food offering too.”

He added: “The features make it even more exciting, especially when you add the roof top area. People can take a view of the East Square development and cinema.

“This new site will complement the development that is becoming a new hub for Basildon in many ways.”

The plans state that 60 new jobs will be created as part of the new pub. 

The ground floor will accommodate an open bar, dining, and drinking areas. The first floor will also comprise of an open bar, dining, and drinking areas, complemented by external roof terrace areas.

On the second floor there will be staff facilities and meeting rooms.

Last year, Wetherspoon also announced that they would be selling 32 of their pubs, stating it was a “commercial decision”.