RESIDENTS and interested parties have been invited to have their say on proposals for the redevelopment of the former Post Office site in Basildon town centre, ahead of a series of public engagement events this week.

At the events, members of the public will be able to view proposals for the site and provide comment on the proposed plans, prior to a full planning application being submitted.

The drop-in events will be held at Unit 3, East Walk (new Empire Cinemas development), Basildon, SS14 1HD, at the following times:

• 10am to 2pm, Friday 20 January 2023
• 10am to 2pm, Saturday 21 January 2023
• 10am to 2pm, Wednesday 25 January 2023

Residents can also view the proposals and submit any feedback on the council's website.

The consultation can be found at www.basildon.gov.uk/yoursay

The closing date for comments is 25 January 2023.

Cllr Craig Rimmer, cabinet member for regeneration, welcomed the news, saying: "I am pleased that development of the Post Office site is progressing to create new high-quality homes in the heart of Basildon town centre.

"These engagement events will help us to ensure the development meets the needs of local people. It's most important that members of the public or those with an interest in the site take this opportunity to share their views."

The announcement comes after councillors confirmed their commitment to redevelop the site at a meeting of Basildon Council's Cabinet on Tuesday 6 December 2022.

At the meeting, councillors agreed to begin a procurement exercise to secure a main contractor for the development. Council officers were also given a mandate to seek out further funding opportunities such as regional and national grants to support the project.