BASILDON councillors have approved a new strategic vision for the town centre.

Like all town centres around the country, Basildon has suffered from the pandemic, global economic challenges and the changes people have all made to shopping habits.

The council says the development of a town centre vision demonstrates its commitment to use its powers as a local authority and its close links with central government to spark change.

The development of this new vision follows a period of engagement with partners across a range of sectors in summer 2022. Representatives from the public, private, voluntary, health and transport sectors, as well as local community and cultural groups, all shared their views on the future of the town centre. Partners were encouraged to explore how they could work together for the benefit of the town centre.

The main aim of the vision is to demonstrate the positive outcomes that can be developed for growth, culture, the environment and transport – all of which will help boost the local economy in and around Basildon.

 It sets out key priorities, driven by the main themes of discussion with partners.

• A town with things to do
• A town that connects the past and future
• A town that is green and welcoming
• A town where communities come together
• A town that is full of opportunity

 These will be taken forward into a plan for delivery in the near future – agreeing activity across Basildon town centre for the next decade.

Cllr Craig Rimmer, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This new vision marks an important milestone for Basildon town centre. Our town centre belongs to everyone in the borough and I am pleased so many partners across a range of sectors have pledged their energy and support. Together we are unlocking Basildon's potential and I am excited to see the delivery plan come together with real outcomes set for local people."