The draft masterplan has been produced by development company Barratt Wilson Bowden (BWB) and includes proposals for new homes, shops, improved public realm and community facilities.
The draft proposals include plans for a new cinema, which the Council said it hoped will be the centrepiece for a remodelled East Square. The improved public realm and community facilities have been designed to attract new investment and provide Basildon with an evening economy.
The masterplan outlines proposals for a new street market, over 1,500 new homes and a new college, which could be completed by 2017, the Council said. St Martin’s Square and Town Square are also earmarked for regeneration.
“These draft proposals are very exciting as this will be one of the biggest town centre redevelopments in the country and perhaps the last of its kind for some time," said Councillor Stephen Horgan, deputy leader of the Council. "It would transform Basildon town centre into a vibrant, commercially successful and popular place to live, work and visit."
The draft masterplan splits the town centre into eight key areas and aims to shorten the shopping ‘circuit’. It is hoped that this would put an emphasis on quality rather than quantity of shops, the Council said.
A new station square would be created, which it is hoped would provide quality public space and an improved first impression of Basildon for those travelling by train, the Council said.
Infrastructure improvements are also planned for Basildon, with plans including the removal of the subway system. Under the proposals, pedestrians would be given priority across Southernhay and a new transit mall would be created for taxis and buses.
The Council's Cabinet will consider the proposals at its next meeting on 26 January and, subject to its approval, the materplan will be published for public consultation.
