A COUNCILLOR says residents have become disillusioned over plans to redevelop a half-abandoned shopping centre site. 

Andrew Schrader, Basildon councillor responsible for housing and estate renewal, warned new owners of Laindon Place they should “not expect an easy ride” from people in Laindon. 

A community engagement event was held by owners Sanctuary this week for residents to express views on what they want to see at the site. 

The site had originally been set to boast a high-quality collection of homes, shops, a health centre and office space but work stalled under previous owners Swan.

Mr Schrader said: “Totally understandable that Laindon folk are now completely cynical about the ongoing saga of Laindon Shopping Centre – rechristened Laindon Place under Swan's putative redevelopment scheme.

“As a long-standing former Laindon resident myself, I am all too aware that Laindon Place is just the latest chapter in two decades of abject failure and Swan merely the most recent in a long line of owners of that site who have let the residents of Laindon down.

“In my capacity as cabinet member for housing, I have sat in on at least two meetings with the new owners, Sanctuary – who took over Swan when the latter fell into difficulties – and I have communicated that to them with very little gloss.

“To be fair to them, they have said all the right things and restated their commitment to delivering a new town centre for Laindon.

“Sanctuary Housing should now be given a fair crack of the whip, but they should not expect an easy ride from Laindoners, who have been very badly let down by successive owners of the site.”

At the community event, the developers gave Laindon residents the opportunity to meet the project team and have a say on the regeneration.

When the Echo asked Sanctuary to give details on what the plans would entail it said it was not able to do so. 

Sarah Brind, head of development south, for Sanctuary, said: “We understand the importance of the project to the community and the wider borough of Basildon.

“We’ve been reviewing the site to find a solution to get the regeneration back on track and now want to hear what the community think of these initial ideas.

“Their feedback will be important in ensuring we can take this project forward with the support of the community, working alongside Basildon Council.”

Community members can share feedback – via an online form – and learn more about the project by visiting: sanctuary.co.uk/laindon.