Shopping park revamp could see new homes and hotel

The council acquired Westgate Shopping Park in June 2024

A council is considering plans to develop a shopping centre with a hotel and "high-quality" homes.

Basildon Council is drawing up a masterplan for Westgate Shopping Park, off Fodderwick in the Essex town.

Phase one of the development would include a new hotel and new homes, which would replace part of a large, vacant building at the shopping park.

The council will discuss the plans at a cabinet meeting on December 9 and will then submit a detailed planning application for phase one in the spring of next year.

The plans would see a mix of residential and non-residential use to encourage footfall throughout the day and boost the evening economy.

According to Local Democracy Reporting Service, there would also be additional spaces for culture and leisure offerings.

"Phase one represents a major opportunity within the evolving town centre, introducing high-quality homes, a new landmark hotel and associated public realm that will act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration," said a council officer's report.

The council acquired the shopping park in June 2024, securing control of 5.41 hectares of land on the western edge of the town centre.

Gavin Callaghan, leader of Basildon Council, said: "We are bringing new opportunities, prosperity and life back to our largest town centre. This is what we mean when we say 'believe in Basildon'."