Basildon residents share their hopes for regeneration

After Basildon Council leader Gavin Callaghan revealed his grand plan to create jobs, boost footfall and carry out a major regeneration project, residents have praised his forward-thinking proposals. 

A new arena on the site of the Westgate Shopping Centre is central to his plans and residents – particularly youngsters living in the borough – have welcomed the idea of big-name acts coming to the town. 

Joyce Weeks, 65, and Linda Spall, 70, take regular walks into the centre of town (Image: George Pizani) South Essex College student Mylo Krzeminska said: “That would be so cool. I’d love it if that was a thing.

“It would be great to get more artists and musicians coming to the town and more options for young people is always going to be a positive thing”.

Friend Gracie Manton, 16, admitted the number of empty shops is something she’s very aware of but  was also excited by the prospect of an arena. 

Plenty of shops have left the town centre in recent years (Image: George Pizani)
“There are so many abandoned shops that have been closed down and never re-opened,” she said.

For sisters, and Basildon residents, Linda Spall and Joyce Weeks, attracting more shops is crucial to her enjoyment of the town centre.

“I’d like to see more shops. So many have been closing down, including some of our favourites. We’re not online, so are really very dependent on shops being open” said 70-year-old Linda.

Her desire for more shops was echoed by 65-year-old Joyce, who was very pleased to hear of the council’s plans for a new arena.

“An arena would be great as we are often using the Towngate Theatre, so any more entertainment options would be great,” she said.

Other residents mentioned the rejuvenation of public spaces as a priority when it comes to the town centre’s regeneration, with issues like litter, anti-social behaviour and graffiti all being raised.