THE HALF-abandoned Laindon Centre building site is set to be brought back to life with a developer pledging to complete the project.

Construction was halted on the 244-home redevelopment last year.

Developer Swan Housing, who took over the scheme in 2015 following six failed attempted to regenerate the site over the last 25 years, tore down the former shopping centre in 2019. 

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But work to build homes in the centres place ground to a halt with the firm insisting it needs time to “review” the designs.

Now, following the acquisition of Swan Housing by Sanctuary, the plans are back on.

Peter Martin, group managing director – development, Sanctuary, said: “We understand why the residents of Laindon are concerned about the lack of progress. Residents have been left with a partially completed site at the heart of the town and limited updates about next steps.

“Our review of the site is well underway to find a solution to get the regeneration back on track. We’re aiming to discuss our plans with the community in July before we agree a way forward.”

The review follows Sanctuary’s acquisition of Swan in February, ending months of uncertainty about the future delivery of Swan’s services.

Mr Martin added: “We’re confident that working in partnership with the local community and Basildon Council we will find a solution to take this project forward.

“We have experience at managing large, complex and high-quality developments and will work as quickly as we can to put forward new proposals. However, given the scale of the challenges we will need time to ensure the plans are deliverable and viable.”

Senior leaders at Sanctuary and Swan have met with Basildon Council executives to urgently discuss the project following Sanctuary’s takeover of Swan.

Conservative councillor Andrew Baggott, leader of Basildon Council, said: “I am pleased that Sanctuary recognise the importance of re-starting the Laindon town centre project and are committed to its delivery. The site is deeply important to the local community and I look forward to work starting soon. I have had the opportunity to meet with representatives of Sanctuary and they too recognise the significance of getting the scheme delivered.

“I was pleased to hear their desire to take responsibility for progression and a keenness to work in Basildon for many years to come.”