Basildon council has approved a development framework for the regeneration of the town centre.
The framework identifies five key areas for development making way for up to 3,600 homes, 570,000 sq ft of commercial space, 530,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space, as well as community space and facilities and car parking.
Proposals to achieve this include: –
- developing an office core around the station
- developing the residential and leisure elements of the town centre including new homes, cafes, bars and restaurants
- developing a Town Hall, library and community theatre
- creating a new railway station and ‘Station Square’ to form a new entrance to Basildon
- connecting residential areas to the town centre through level crossings over Broadmayne, Roundacre and Southernhay
- creating a network of high quality pedestrian and cycle routes, public and green spaces
- creating a new pedestrian street underneath the railway connecting the Southside area to the heart of the town centre
- bringing Gloucester Park into the heart of the town centre
- remodelling Broadmayne to create an urban boulevard, lined with buildings and rows of trees.
The next step is for the council to consider delivery of the multi-million pound scheme.
Councillor Stephen Horgan, Cabinet Member for Development and Regeneration, said: “We strongly believe that Basildon needs the best for its town centre: the best in terms of quality design; the best in terms of quality architecture, and the best in terms of quality materials used for our buildings.
“We are not willing to accept anything in the town that is sub-standard, and this framework firmly emphasises that only the best is good enough for Basildon.”
References: EGi News 03/07/06
