BASILDON Council is set to buy the town's former M&S store and convert it into an "indoor market and entertainment hub".

Basildon Council Labour leader Gavin Callaghan hopes the deal for the former store in Basildon Town Centre will be completed this summer and insisted it would be "a game changer." 

He said the plans for the site include a "proper" market with "modern" facilities for market traders, including "quality" food and drink. He also said it would have a live stage for music and entertainment, with big screens for big sports matches, such as during the World Cup.

The former M&S store closed in spring 2018. It also comes after plans were agreed for almost 500 homes on part of the site. 

Cllr Callaghan has also said on various occasions that he's in talks with the major retailer about a return to the town centre.

Cllr Callaghan added: "Basildon Council is buying the old M&S block. Basildon Council is stepping in to buy the old M&S building and bring it back to life for local people. Instead of soulless tower blocks of flats, it will become a state-of-the-art indoor market and entertainment hub.

"Think Boxpark, but Basildon-style: no high-rise tower block of flats being dumped on our town centre, proper market with modern facilities for market traders, quality food and drink, live stage for music and entertainment, big screens for the World Cup, Euros and more, a place for all ages – morning, noon and night.

"This is a game changer. The council aims to complete the deal this summer and have the new venue open in time for the 2026 World Cup when England bring football home.

"This is only happening because retailers and investors are backing Labour and believing in Basildon again.

"We're stopping the decline, turning things around, and giving people a reason to come back into the town. Basildon is getting better."

Basildon Town Centre is experiencing various changes, with the new Vue Cinema and food businesses in and around East Square, construction works ongoing on another development of around 500 homes, and works now underway on a huge new Wetherspoons.