Plans to transform Basildon move to final stage

Ambitious plans to rejuvenate Basildon town centre over the next 25 years have entered the final stage.

Last nights cabinet (28^th January) approved a final £150,000 be spent on completing the complex OJEU procurement process.  This money will allow the Council to complete ‘competitive dialogue' with Barratt/Wilson Bowden (BWB), and invite them to tender.

Along with providing much needed infrastructure and housing across the town centre,  the redevelopment of Basildon town centre would see:

• New shops and offices
• New transport facilities
• New community facilities
• Public realm improvements throughout the town centre

The first stage of the process once appointed would be to undertake extensive public consultation as part of detailed master planning.

Councillor Stephen Horgan, Deputy Leader of the Council, says:  "This is a very important project for Basildon and it reflects the confidence in our community and the hard work of the project team that it is still on track despite the economic climate that have been facing.  We have a great opportunity to transform Basildon town centre, with more and better shops and offices, better transport facilities and new homes."

"Clearly the dialogue process has taken far longer than originally anticipated.  However this is one of the biggest projects that the council will ever engage in, so it is vital that the Council has the best possible deal and that we do not make rushed decisions."