BOSSES of a housing association insist a much-anticipated Basildon redevelopment is 'progressing' well, with Highways improvements underway and "increased activity on the site."

Works are due to soon restart on the Laindon Centre regeneration off High Road – with plans for more than 200 homes, a health centre, a Lidl and other shops in the town. It comes after Sanctuary Homes, which is behind the plans, proposed changes to the height, roofs, materials, landscaping and parking as it reviews the design and construction of the partially constructed Laindon shopping centre redevelopment.

Bosses at the housing firm say they have written to residents updating them that "work at the site is progressing in line with the planned programme". The agreed Highways' works are expected to take nine months to complete and traffic management will be in place in the meantime. There have been six failed attempts to redevelop the site over the last 25 years and Swan Housing demolished the former shopping centre, which was mostly empty, back in 2019.

An improved medical centre option will also be available, along with new public spaces for the Laindon War Memorial and Fountain and new hoarding is also being put up around the site where initial works started in December last year.

Adele Brown, deputy leader of Basildon Council and cabinet member for strategic planning and infrastructure said: "This redevelopment project is a key part of our broader strategy to regenerate the area and provide much-needed homes, retail spaces, and community amenities. While there were delays caused by external factors, such as the financial collapse of Swan Commercial, the revised plans account for the latest building safety regulations under the 2022 Building Safety Act.

"I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our planning officers at Basildon Council. Their hard work and dedication have been instrumental in ensuring that this project meets the necessary standards while moving forward swiftly. It's their commitment that has helped navigate the complexities of this development, allowing us to deliver a much-improved scheme that prioritises safety, sustainability, and the needs of the local community.

"We are committed to making the Laindon Centre redevelopment a success, and I look forward to seeing the benefits of this project materialise for the residents of Laindon and beyond."

A spokesperson for Sanctuary said: "Stage 3 of the required Highways work is due to start in the next few days and we recently provided a written update to local residents to let them know that work at the site is progressing in line with the planned programme. We also advised residents that the next stage of the Highways work will mean they should see increased activity on the site."