WORK on a new multimillion-pound Wetherspoons in Basildon are set to start in just a few weeks. Bosses hope to open it for the summer.

The chain is pushing ahead with its plan for The King of Essex pub and is currently agreeing to the terms for its outside space.

The new pub, which is expected to create about 70 new jobs, has faced delays after bosses expected it to open last November. 

The pub will be near the new multimillion Vue Cinema complex, which also includes several restaurants, including Nandos. Wetherspoons' investment is part of a larger overhaul of the town centre, which includes various housing developments. 245 flats are being developed at the site of the former Staples and Carphone Warehouse, off Great Oaks, Basildon. 

Work is also underway to demolish and redevelop the former Moon on the Square pub in Market Square and construct 492 one—and two-bedroom flats.

A spokesman for Wetherspoons said: "We are aiming to go onsite at the end of March and look to open in August. The name is The King of Essex. The development cost is £2.85 million, and the customer area is 3,850 square feet. Wetherspoon is agreeing terms on the outside area."

Kevin Blake, deputy leader of Basildon Conservatives, said: "I think it's good news. It's a shame it won't be open earlier to benefit from the good weather.

"I go to Wetherspoons pubs a lot as they serve my favourite beer. This will be a boost to the nighttime economy in the town centre, we all know it needs it and I think it will make the town centre boom.

"Improving the nighttime economy will help cut crime, and the company is known for its very good food at reasonable prices. It will also encourage people to go out and enjoy a beer, and we all need to be watching the pennies, and you can't beat Wetherspoons."