A developer has given a glimpse of its plans to redevelop part of Basildon town centre.

Fairfax Properties is behind the plans to create 60 new homes and shops in East Walk and Southernhay.

The proposals would coincide with the regeneration of Basildon town centre, which includes the addition of hundreds of new homes, and leisure facilities such as a new cinema and restaurants.

Fairfax’s plans would see 15 townhouses/ maisonettes created above the existing retail units at 28-60 East Walk.

Echo: A view of the town houses along East Walk, which would be added above the existing retail unitsA view of the town houses along East Walk, which would be added above the existing retail units

The retail units are currently occupied by the likes of Greggs and Halifax.

This would make the building, which dates back to the 1950s, four-storeys high but the developer says the height will match that of the new Empire cinema.

The end of the L-shaped building, at 62 East Walk and 36-44 Southernhay, would then be demolished and replaced with a five and eight storey building which would consist of a combined 45 flats and further shop areas on the ground floor.

Echo:

The eight-storey building would act as a 'plinth' and have artwork displayed on top.

Fairfax says this would help to hide mechanical elements on the roof of the building, as well as helping to create an ‘important landmark focus’ in the town centre.

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The artwork displayed on the top would be changed regularly to provide a ‘changing backdrop’ to life in the area.

Echo: A CGI of the rooftop terrace on the five-storey buildingA CGI of the rooftop terrace on the five-storey building

The town houses and five-storey building would both have rooftop terraces installed for residents to use.

Cycle storage space would be provided for residents and staff at the new development, but Fairfax says it would be a car-free site, with people encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport to get around.

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Fairfax says it has been working with planning officers on the designs and insists the eight-storey building is ‘modest’ when compared to other developments planned for the centre of Basildon.

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Plans to build high-rise homes in the town centre have been thrown into doubt after the Conservative’s took control of Basildon Council in the recent local elections.

The Tories now say they will hold another public consultation on building homes in the town centre.