RESIDENTS have shared their views on a major regeneration of Basildon town centre, with one local welcoming the plans, saying the town centre felt stuck in the past.

Basildon Borough Council is set to demolish the Westgate Shopping Park and replace it with more than 500 homes, a hotel, and there are plans for a 3,500-seat arena nearby. There are also separate plans for an Aldi supermarket to open at the shopping park. 

The council has submitted the first part of its redevelopment plan, which includes extra care homes for residents aged 55 and above, as well as the new hotel.

Local resident Barry Evans, 78, said the town centre had been 'stuck in the past' and welcomed the plans to update it.

He said: "I am pleased to see the investment in the town centre, as it feels as though there's been no major change for decades.

"The town looks like it's still stuck in the sixties and seventies, in some areas. It's about time we see big change and big investment.

"I think the Westgate does need a new look, feel and change. I think the plans look good and will be a good new addition to the town. I do think it's a lot of housing, but we do need housing. It will tidy up and improve the look and feel of the area." 

Laindon local, Barbara Greenswell, 51, is also in favour of the council's plans. She said: "In favour of new shops, new homes and new businesses. Very good to see this happening. It's what people want to see and have been saying this for some time.

Plans for Westgate

"I think the hotel will be popular and well-used. I also think the extra care homes sound like a great idea as well. I hope Aldo does go ahead and open there, and as I really like Aldi, I think it'll be very popular and is a very good move and addition too." 

While Matt Cox, 39, from Basildon, raised concerns about infrastructure and the need for the arena and hotel. He added: "I am not against regeneration or major developments, but I don't feel this is quite right.

"I think more than 500 homes is far too many homes, and it feels like the town centre is becoming just flats. I am very worried about infrastructure and we need investment in roads, services and stuff. The town needs more shops and restaurants, more social housing. I don't think it's the right way to regenerate. I don't think the hotel is needed. The arena is too much, it's not needed, and lots of people are saying the same and the plans are not what people want here." 

A Basildon Council spokesman said: "Basildon Council welcomes feedback from residents on the proposed regeneration of Westgate Shopping Park and the surrounding town centre. We understand that views are mixed and appreciate the concerns raised.

"The regeneration will be delivered over the next five years and is focused on creating a vibrant, leisure-led town centre, with the proposed Arena as a central feature. The Arena is designed to be a multi-use venue that will attract visitors, boost footfall, and support local businesses—bringing new energy and opportunity to the area.

"This leisure focus will be complemented by a mix of retail, commercial space, and new homes, including social housing. We are committed to ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with development and that the town centre remains a place where people want to live, work, and spend time.

"We will continue to engage with the community to ensure the regeneration reflects local aspirations and delivers long-term benefits for Basildon."