Laindon’s Long Wait Is Over: Swan’s Plans For The Laindon Centre Approved By Basildon Council

Swan are delighted to announce that their plans to deliver the long awaited retail-led regeneration of the Laindon Centre will become a reality, after Basildon Council’s Planning Committee voted to approve their planning application at a meeting last night. It comes after the local community backed the plans with almost 300 local residents signing letters of support and over 300 local residents signing up to support the plans on www.laindonfutures.co.uk.

At the heart of Swan’s plans for the wholesale redevelopment of the shopping centre is a brand new high street with shops, landscaped space, a new Swan office, a modern health centre and homes. Now that Swan have the green light from the Council to regenerate the Laindon Centre, enabling works will start on site later this year. Swan will also be progressing with detailed design work and anticipate main construction starting on site with the first phase in early 2018.

Geoff Pearce, Executive Director of Regeneration and Development at Swan, said:

“We’re absolutely delighted with the Council’s decision to give us the green light to start delivering the retail-led regeneration that Laindon deserves. Today is a momentous day for Laindon and the future is looking bright for the local area. We’ve worked tirelessly to produce plans that really can be delivered and we’re excited get the redevelopment work underway hopefully by the end of this year. Our plans for Laindon are part of our continued commitment to Basildon and we’re looking forward to investing further in the borough in the future.”

Cllr Phil Turner, Leader of Basildon Borough Council said,

“Helping to ensure the regeneration of the Laindon Shopping Centre has been a longstanding priority for Basildon Council, so I am delighted to see this application approved. Swan’s proposals for the site – a combination of modern homes, shops and health facilities – will be a true asset to the community for generations to come. We have worked closely with Swan to bring the project to this stage and will strive to continue this strong relationship to ensure these plans become a reality.”

Carl Vann, Partner and Pollard Thomas Edwards, said:
“Pollard Thomas Edwards is delighted to be acting as architects in collaboration with CF Moller, to deliver Swan’s vision for this significant location. We have worked closely with the community to develop a high street proposal that is a true ‘centre of gravity’ for the local and wider area. The proposal re-imagines the centre of Laindon, bringing not just bricks and mortar, but a wider view to deliver an attractive walkable setting for new homes, shopping and working; whilst also addressing local resident concerns to reduce traffic speeds and promote a sense of community and neighbourliness.”

Ray Houghton, Partner from Bidwells, Planning Consultants for the project, said:

“It is great news that this exciting development has been given the go ahead. The detailed proposals had an unprecedented level of support from the local community who clearly felt the scheme is exactly what is needed for Laindon’s rejuvenation. The application represents the culmination of an ongoing and comprehensive process of engagement with residents, stakeholders and Basildon Council and is one which everyone can be justifiably proud of.”

You can view an animated video of our plans for Laindon here.