A NEW £3.6million Wetherspoons in Basildon Town Centre is set to open later this year, with works expected to start in just a matter of weeks, bosses at the chain have revealed.

The King of Essex pub is due to take over the former Poundworld in East Walk with Wetherspoons saying it will create 70 new jobs for the town.

It comes as the chain has revealed new images of the proposed interior of the new business.

Wetherspoons' former location in the town, the Moon on The Square closed in late 2022. 

Kerry Smith, leader of the Basildon Independent Group and former deputy leader of Basildon Council, welcomed the news. 

He said: "It's good to see Tim Martin investing in Basildon with a pub by a very good name too. I think it's in a good location in the middle of the town centre.

"I think Wetherspoons' success is down to the fact it gives people good value for money. I think it's a very positive move for the town and I am sure I will be popping in for a pint on a hot day.

"I think the chain's secret is it offers people a meal and a pint for a reasonable price. I think it will do well in Basildon and it's near the bus station too for those taking public transport into the town centre."

Mr Martin is the founder and chairman of Wetherspoons.

The impressive images show the outside of the business and the stylist inside ahead of works starting very soon. 

It's part of a brand new look for Basildon Town Council after the £25million East Square development with a new cinema and a number of eateries.

There are also plans for major homes developments in the town centre, with plans agreed for 245 homes at the former Great Oaks Retail Park, off Great Oaks, Basildon.

Other major developments include four tower blocks with 495 homes at the site of the former Marks and Spencer store, near St Martin's Square in Basildon. 

A spokesman for Wetherspoons said: "The development will be £3.6million, we are aiming to start works on site in late July and it then could be open by late November 2024. There will be 70 jobs created at the new pub."

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: " We are looking forward to developing our new pub in Basildon.

 "The town had a Wetherspoon pub for many years and we are confident that the new pub will be even better and a great addition to Basildon's social scene.

 "The level of investment highlights Wetherspoon's commitment to the town and its residents."