'There's a general feel of doom and gloom in the town centre here at the moment,' he explained. James Biffen, 44, is one of the employees at the town's Wilko store - one of the few retail units to enjoy consistent success in the west of the town centre.įrom his perspective, the town's atmosphere needs changing. Ilford boy, 10, says being homeless is 'worse than being in a real-life horror film'.Over the past three years, Basildon Market has been moved, a large area of the town centre has been demolished, a new college is being built and a new cinema development is also under construction. The master plan itself will look at how Basildon town centre will develop over the next 15 years, with the first draft expected in March 2020.Ĭurrently, much of the town looks like a building site thanks to the regeneration work that has already taken place. 'Doom and gloom.'īasildon Town Centre's retail sector is struggling So what needs to change and what needs to be considered in the council's master plan to reverse the perceived doom and gloom? We took to the streets of Basildon to find out. The transport links may be a positive but town centre safety and the retail experience are often brought up as criticisms.įor example, many say places like Lakeside and Chelmsford are far more attractive locations to visit and go shopping even if you live on Basildon's doorstep.

There's much to shout about in the town but there's also a lot that needs fixing. This regeneration matters to the people of Basildon. In the words of council leader Gavin Callaghan: 'No idea is too big or too small.

The much-maligned town is already part-way through its own multi-million pound regeneration to revitalise the town centre - but it doesn't stop there.īasildon Council will be creating a new Town Centre Master Plan and they have now opened a consultation with residents and businesses to submit their ideas and comments. Change is coming to Basildon and, from the residents' perspective, it needs it.

Gloom town