Barratt secures £1bn project
Housebuilding giant Barratt Homes, based in Coalville, has been approved as Basildon Council’s development partner in the £1bn redevelopment of the town centre. Barratt, along with its acquired subsidiary Wilson Bowden Developments, have formed Basildon Regeneration (BWB), the company which will undertake the 20-year project.
Keith Parrett, managing director of Barratt Eastern Counties, said: “Barratt Homes and Wilson Bowden Developments are very pleased that the council has made us their preferred development partner for this very exciting project over the next 20 years.
“We will now be preparing a detailed masterplan over the next 12 months and are keen to get started.”
The masterplan will outline the detailed plans for the town centre and the timings of the various work.
Among BWB’s initial plans include 559,723 sq ft of new retail and leisure space, up to 581,251 sq ft of new offices and 1,900 new homes (in addition to the 700 already with planning permission or built).
Councillor Tony Ball, leader of Basildon Council, said: “This is a momentous day for Basildon, and I am delighted to announce BWB as our long term development partner for the redevelopment of Basildon town centre. We look forward to working with BWB to deliver our exciting vision for Basildon town centre together.
“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.”
“With a new and improved shopping and leisure experience, more jobs and homes this will in turn help to create a new economic vibrancy to the town centre. The regeneration is about the whole town centre, not just the shopping streets. The plans extend beyond the shopping core, providing opportunities to maximise the range of facilities and job creation.”
Also featured in the initial plans are a major extension to the town’s theatre from 546 to 1200 seats, a hotel and improvements to transport facilities.
