Plans to improve the links between Gloucester Park and the town centre in Basildon have been given the go-ahead, signalling the start of the major regeneration set to transform the area.

Two applications submitted by Barratt/Wilson Bowden (BWB) have been approved and show how land currently developed at the Gloucester Park pool site will be redeveloped to create a new boulevard link to the park, improvements made to the public space and a new park lake created.

The two applications considered consisted of a full application for new houses and a park lake (phase one) and an outline application for a second phase on land currently occupied by the park lake (phase two).

The first phase of the 'Westside North' scheme will see 144 new family homes created in a crescent setting fronting the park, along with a new and improved lake on part of the site of the old swimming pool and car park, former netball courts and a small open area including land on which planning permission had previously been given for a Registry Office. Previous plans included the demolition of the Community Resource Centre, but this was withdrawn following consultation.

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The new lake would be part of a water course fed from the collection of surface water runoff across the town centre, unlike the existing lake adjacent to the old swimming pool.

The scheme will bring the park into the heart of the town centre and will also help to fund major improvements to the southern part of Gloucester Park up to the main fishing lake. It is hoped that the scheme would encourage greater use of the park.

Better pathways, lighting and drainage will be provided in phase one, with the reprovision of the bowling green, the creation of two new play areas and the possibility for a hotel, apartments and cafes/restaurants coming in the second phase.

These improvements will be enhanced by the creation of a piazza and a wide ‘boulevard’ from the town centre to the park, which will create new open space and provide vastly improved pedestrian access to the park across Broadmayne.

Cllr Stephen Horgan, Deputy Leader of the Council, said: "The Council and the people of Basildon expect nothing less that the highest quality development and I am confident that these revised plans deliver that.

"This scheme will greatly enhance the park, enable further investment into this area and add some life to this end of the park. The plans for the green link boulevard will remove the barriers between the town centre and the park and encourage greater use of this fantastic asset.

"The Council and BWB are also committed to ensuring that existing facilities affected by the plans are re-provided, including the Children's play area and bowls club. This is why the outline application for the second phase includes two new play areas.

"These plans should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of the long term vision for the town that includes creating a new town centre community that will help to support an exciting new vibrancy and evening economy now and for future generations."

(CD/KMcA)