Plan for £1bn regeneration of Basildon is backed

The scheme involves 52,000 square metres of new retail and leisure space

A £1bn scheme to regenerate the centre of Basildon in Essex has been approved by the council.

The plans include 52,000 square metres of new retail and leisure space; 1,900 new homes and a major extension of the Towngate Theatre and new hotel.

Basildon Council has appointed Barratt Homes Wilson Bowden Developments (BWB) to undertake the 20-year project.

Over the next 12 months BWB will now draw up a detailed master plan for the project.

Tony Ball, leader of the council said: "I am delighted to announce BWB as our long-term development partner for the redevelopment of Basildon town centre.

"This is a long-term project that will help to get Basildon back into the top 50 town centres in the country, where it belongs."