MAJOR demolition work is in full swing at the site of a former retail park ahead of the construction of 245 new homes in Basildon town centre. 

Pictures from the Great Oaks Retail Park, where Staples and Carphone Warehouse once stood, show demolition has progressed in recent days as the former buildings are torn down. 

Once demolition is completed, 245 eco-friendly homes will be constructed across an 11-storey block of flats after plans were given the green light by Basildon Council last October.

Process - Demolition worksProcess - Demolition works (Image: Tracey Ann)

Developer Donard is behind the plans which will also see shops created on the ground floor. 

Kerry Smith, independent councillor responsible for planning and housing, praised the developer for starting work and getting the project underway.  

He said: “It is good news

In half - the former retail parkIn half - the former retail park (Image: Tracey Ann)

“As we need the jobs, and the work has started now when building trade can sometimes be slow. They will be working and providing jobs through Christmas and beyond.

“It is good that the works have started, and they are getting on with it.

“The borough has got to do nearly 30,000 homes, so they will need to be put somewhere.

“People don’t want green sites, so brownfield sites are the only way forward.”

Work - cranes pulling the building apartWork - cranes pulling the building apart (Image: Tracey Ann)The development focuses on creating “sustainable homes”, with heat pumps to reduce bills for residents.

In addition to new homes, there will also be rooftop gardens, extensive cycle parking and space for public artwork.

CGI - Artist's impression of the Great Oaks buildingCGI - Artist's impression of how the Great Oaks flats will look (Image: Donard Real Estate)

Plans had initially been given the green light back in 2021 but no work started and scaled-back plans were approved by the council last year. 

Adele Brown, deputy leader of Basildon Council, previously said how she believes the Great Oaks development is an exciting aspect of the council’s plan for regeneration and offers a long-term, sustainable vision for the town.

She also believed the project is the first step in the regeneration of the town centre, which will see thousands of homes built as part of the Labour-led council’s vision.