IT has been revealed that a new "state-of-the-art" Lidl supermarket at a Basildon redevelopment could open in under a year.

According to Gavin Callaghan, Labour leader of Basildon Council, Lidl is expected to start work on its new store as part of the regeneration of the Laindon Centre, off High Road, in September, and it could open next March.

The whole project includes 205 homes, 15 other shops, space for a new medical centre, new open spaces and the improved Laindon War Memorial and fountain. Construction works on the rest of the development could start later this year.

Cllr Callaghan said: "One that has been an eyesore for 20 years is Laindon. Anyone who's driven through Laindon recently will see there are lots of roadworks going on, there are lots of cabling, lots of plumbing going on under the roads, which is to get the Laindon Shopping Centre ready and fit for purpose.

"The Laindon Centre construction is going to begin in September. Once they have finished the roadwork and they've sorted it all, they are going to be back on site building the shopping centre and the flats.

"There's going to be about 15 new shops with hundreds of new jobs created. People are going to have a proper shopping parade again in Laindon, which is hugely exciting. 

"Lidl is going to be on site in June and begin the construction of the new store, which is going to open in March 2026. In Laindon, all of that is a positive."

Richard Holden, Tory MP for Basildon and Billericay, said: "I met with Sanctuary Housing at the former Laindon Shopping Centre site, dubbed 'Laindon Henge' for the slab-like Stonehenge feel of the unfinished concrete towers. 

"It will take time, but I am reassured to know Sanctuary are not just committed to this project but are working on it now and will see it through.

"Work will begin in the new Lidl within the year and on the rest of the project soon after. I'll be holding them to this at every turn to ensure another of my election pledges – to get this eyesore sorted – is delivered."

A spokesman for Lidl said: "We're looking forward to bringing a brand-new, state-of-the-art Lidl store to the area. While timelines are still being finalised, we're hoping to commence on-site works in the coming months. We're excited to bring this project to life and will, of course, keep the community updated as things progress."