Basildon town centre could soon be revitalised by a new cinema, restaurants and bars along with a new market and college following the approval of the towns' masterplan at cabinet.

The final version of the plan highlights how a number of schemes are proposed to be completed in the next five years. Other longer-terms projects such as extending the Towngate Theatre are also included.

The masterplan has been updated by the council's development partner Barratt/Wilson Bowden (BWB) following public and stakeholder consultation in February and March this year.

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The masterplan is now an Interim Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), will form part of the Local Development Framework (LDF) and inform future planning applications in the town centre. It will be published as an interim SPD until the LDF is adopted.

Cllr Malcolm Buckley, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This is one of the biggest town centre redevelopments in the country and I am delighted the masterplan has been approved.

"Whilst other town centre redevelopments have fallen foul of the economic climate in recent years, BWB and the council have maintained enough flexibility in its plans to ensure that we have weathered the storm and now have a really ambitious, but realistic and commercially viable scheme that will transform the town for the benefit of local people, businesses and visitors.

"These are very exciting times for the town."

(CD)