Basildon Council leader sets out vision for regeneration

Since it was returned to Labour control in May, the council bought the Westgate Shopping Centre for £18.5million and revealed revitalised plans to build a new 5,000-seater live-entertainment arena, as well as a hotel, shops, restaurants and bars. 

The Westgate Shopping Centre will be redeveloped into a live entertainment arena (Image: George Pizani) This comes as work is set to start on 492 flats in new tower blocks in Town Square, at the site of the former Moon on the Square pub which is due to be demolished in December.

Mr Callaghan said his vision for the town centre’s regeneration is based on the potential he recognises in the town.

“Basildon is the capital of south Essex and we have 80,000 people per day coming into the town to work for our businesses,” he said.

Residents and councillors are in agreement on the need for a regenerated town centre (Image: George Pizani) “We’re not looking to reinvent the wheel.

“The new town was built on the principle that from cradle to grave there’d be a place for you to live, work and build a family and we don’t have that in Basildon anymore.”

Mr Callaghan believes the town has the potential to become a thriving magnet of entertainment, retail and businesses for the whole of south Essex. He insists his plans will help restore the town's original purpose.

He added: “I want us to get to a point where this is the place that people come to for a thriving night time economy.

“I want people to know that of an evening, there is lots going on in Basildon.”

In addition to nurturing a successful evening economy, the council leader also pointed to the provision of affordable housing as a key element in the regeneration plans.

CGI images show a transformed town centre (Image: George Pizani) His vision sees Basildon become a hub for first time home buyers, offering younger members of the community the chance to establish real roots.

“I also want it to be a place that is recognised as offering young people their first chance to get on the housing ladder,” Mr Callaghan continued.

"We need young people in our town centre because they have the disposable income to spend."

The leader hopes that by improving the quality and potential of the town centre, the council can bring in more High Street retailers, restoring Basildon’s status as a go-to destination for south Essex residents.