NEW images have been released of major plans to build 492 flats in tower blocks in Basildon - sparking fear the town centre will become a “concrete jungle”. 

Orwell Real Estate is set to demolish the former Moon on the Square in December alongside other shops and new images have been published this week of updated designs. 

The 492 homes will be split across three tower blocks, up to 12 stories high, and the new images show green space in between the blocks. 

New images of the proposed development were pasted onto the abandoned siteNew images of the proposed development were pasted onto the abandoned site (Image: George Pizani)


However, residents have condemned both the look and impact of the Market Square development with one resident calling the proposed buildings “an eyesore".

Dozens of residents have taken to social media to claim the buildings will be over-dominant in the town centre and brand them “concrete jungles”. 

Resident Sarah Oszevgec, 48, said: “The look is disgusting, it’s like a concrete jungle.

“If they’re council houses crack on, but if they’re private, no way. The new generation’s got nowhere to live around here. My boy’s 19 and when he’s older there’s no way he’ll be able to buy.

“You just know that being so close to the train station, these are just going to be sold to the people who work in the city,”
 

 

The development will feature new landscaped areas and public spacesThe development will feature new landscaped areas and public spaces (Image: George Pizani)

Basildon Labour councillor and deputy leader Adele Brown recently defended the development, arguing that the town centre was long overdue regeneration. She described the proposed work as part of a larger town centre masterplan.

Resident of nearby Tarpots, 76-year-old, Carol Amorsingh, believes there has been little thought behind the practicalities of housing people in such tall buildings.

 

The development will significantly change the town's skylineThe development will significantly change the town's skyline (Image: George Pizani)


She said: “When I look at all this, I just think how many times are the lifts going to break down? If people who are disabled get put up in this building, it’s going to be a nightmare.”

She also raised concerns about the suitability of the proposed housing for children and families, saying: “To me, when you’ve got kids, you need a house, and you need a garden”.

“We need more housing but not this type of housing,” she added.

Orwell Real Estate recently received approval to begin demolition of the existing buildings on the site, which include empty retail and residential space. The demolition is expected to begin in early-December.