HUNDREDS of people turned out to have their say on the future of the half-abandoned Laindon Centre building site.

Construction on the Laindon Place project, which is replacing the former Laindon Centre, stopped in 2022.

But following the acquisition of Swan Housing by Sanctuary the plans have been revived.

Described as an “exciting regeneration project”, it is set to boast shops, office space, a health centre and a high-quality collection of homes.

Last week, 500 people attended a community briefing to hear the latest plans from Sanctuary and get to have their say on the proposals.

During the event, Sanctuary suggested a number of different options and layouts for the site which could include shops and a new GP surgery.

Younger visitors were also encouraged to have their say through a children’s art competition which asked them to draw pictures of the shops they would like to see in Laindon.

Basildon councillor Jeff Henry, who attended both events, said people were reassured the project would be progressing.

He said: “It was a good briefing. It was more importantly for Sanctuary to talk to the Laindon community.

“It was important for the community to understand who they are. Largely, these are difficult times. Sanctuary is committed to delivering this project.

“It’s about having a community identity Laindon is as old as any other town in this area, it’s as old as Basildon and as old as Pitsea. There is a great community here that I’m part of. We need a community identity that tells our town apart from the rest.”

Sarah Brind, Sanctuary’s head of development south, said: “We know how important this project is to the community and we are absolutely committed to getting the regeneration back on track and delivering results that Laindon and the wider borough of Basildon can be proud of.”

Anyone who was unable to attend the event in person can find information and displays from the event online at www.sanctuary.co.uk/laindon Residents can also share their feedback using an online form, also linked on Sanctuary’s website, until Thursday, August 10.