A NUMBER of buildings have been demolished to allow the construction of 492 flats in Basildon town centre.

Works are progressing on the development in Market Square, with a new image being released of the site after all the existing buildings were bulldozed. 

Developer Orwell Real Estate was given the green light for the development at an appeal in December 2021. The firm first officially submitted plans for the new homes in 2020 and the council, which was then under a Conservative administration, threw the plans out in August 2021. The planning appeal cost tax payers millions of pounds. 

Councillors have welcomed the progress in the development. Gavin Callaghan, Labour leader of the council, said: "There are new shops, new homes coming and new beginnings for Basildon. Your eyes don't lie to you. Change is happening on our watch. Basildon is getting better." 

Emma Callaghan, councillor for partnerships, performance and engagement, said: "There are big changes happening under our watch, and a new lease of life for Basildon Town Centre." 

Jessica Power, councillor for regeneration, jobs and skills, added: "It is great to see the progress in Basildon Town Centre. There will be shops, homes and a new lease of life for Basildon. There is no more talk, we're just getting on with it." 

Property finance firm, Maslow Capital, provided a £74 million development loan to help fund the major proposals by Orwell Real Estate and Housing Growth Partnership. The firm says the developer is set to make £113 million and is "significantly contributing to Basildon's £600million regeneration masterplan." 

 Basildon Council's planning meeting was told last October that the first residents could be in the development by summer 2027.

This news comes after town centre businesses relocated as part of the major redevelopment plans. Ministry of Hair, which was based at West Pavilion in Basildon Town Centre, has moved to the Eastgate Shopping Centre in the town, and the nearby Greggs has replaced the hair salon in the glass building.