Laindon Centre road works to start marking 'milestone'

A major regeneration plan to replace the former Laindon Shopping Centre and build 200 affordable homes, a Lidl, and 15 shops has been hit with a series of delays since demolition took place in 2019.

Last week it was revealed construction on the site would not start for 12 to 15 months, but now it has been confirmed that highways work will begin to ensure construction traffic can access the development and begin work on the new shop fronts.

The works are expected to take nine months to complete.

Gavin Callaghan, Labour leader of Basildon Council, said: “This announcement marks an important milestone in the development of Laindon and residents have waited long enough for work to begin in earnest.

“While I’m pleased to see these works have finally been confirmed, it’s disappointing that Essex County Council continued to delay the signing of the agreement with Sanctuary to allow the Highways improvements and get this scheme moving.

“Once again, we have had to apply significant pressure to Essex County Council to get schemes like this back on track.

“It simply isn’t acceptable for residents. “This administration is committed to working with Sanctuary in Laindon and we will continue to do what’s needed to see the project completed for local people.”

Once complete, there will also be an option for an improved medical centre, alongside new public spaces for the Laindon War Memorial and fountain.

New hoarding is also being erected around the site where initial works started in December last year.

Following consultation events with local residents and businesses, Sanctuary is updating plans for the site, which it took over when it acquired Swan in February 2023 with Basildon Council.

Dave Soothill, Sanctuary development director, said: “We apologise for the disruption the roadworks will cause in the short term.

“The change to the road layout is required to provide access to the development site and build a new, larger Lidl supermarket.”