A TOWN centre salon and Greggs store are both planning to relocate as part of redevelopment plans in Basildon.

Ministry of Hair, based at West Pavilion, is preparing to move to the Eastgate Shopping Centre in the town while the nearby bakery in Town Square is set to replace the hair salon in the glass building, opposite fellow chain Costa. 

It comes as a new and improved Greggs store opened its doors in the Eastgate's bus station entrance, creating four new jobs in the area.

This replaced the brand's smaller shop at the bus station which has shut its doors, with staff transferring to the larger cafe.

Plans are set to be agreed to extend the opening hours of the West Pavilion, one of two glass buildings in the town centre.

The current Greggs at 54/56 Town Square is closing down as work is due to start on 492 homes and new shops in Market Square.

Developer Orwell Limited confirmed earlier this month the demolition work on the empty buildings in Market Square will begin in December and construction on the new homes will begin in spring next year.

Basildon Council’s planning committee will discuss these plans at a meeting on October 23.

Documents from the meeting explain the extended opening hours are required for Greggs to maintain its existing opening times and of 6am to 11pm daily. 

It adds: “Use of the application site as a bakery with the extended opening hours sought, supports the regeneration of Basildon town centre in providing a viable retail use which will provide an active street frontage and encourage the vitality of the town square. 

“The proposal will safeguard existing employment at the current Greggs outlet thereby promoting the economic resilience of the town centre."

The new Greggs store in Eastgate Shopping Centre opened its doors yesterday, with an improved modern look and larger seating area where customers can charge their phones and laptops while they grab a bite to eat. 

Gillian Long, retail operations director for Greggs, said: “We’re excited to be welcoming customers to our new and improved shop in Basildon, with four new members joining the existing team.

"We look forward to providing customers with a modern, convenient new place to experience their Greggs favourites.”