Community volunteer awards
SEE PAGE 10
Childrens East Square competition
SEE PAGE 9
Christmas events and opening times
SEE PAGE 12
BOROUGHDIARY WINTER 2016 WWW.BASILDON.GOV.UK
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NEWS FROM BASILDON BOROUGH COUNCIL & YOUR COMMUNITY
PITSEA’S PROGRESS IS
GREEN LIGHTED The ongoing improvement of Pitsea has taken another major step forward after Cabinet Members approved the development of plans for the next phase of regeneration.
In the past three years, Pitsea centre has already seen the arrival of a new market square, improved public spaces and a new Aldi store. The town’s flagship retail site was also taken by The Range, which opened this year. The plans would see the council work with partners to maximise the potential benefits of the next phase of regeneration in Pitsea. The proposals are in the early stages – there are other service reviews happening, the results of which will have to be taken into account when com-
plete. All proposals would then be subject to consultation so that local people can share their views once plans are developed.
“There’s still a lot of discussion to be had with residents but we think we have a really strong starting point.” Basildon Council Leader, Cllr Phil Turner, said: “It’s great to see the next phase of Pitsea improvement moving forward. There’s still a lot of discussion to be had with residents but we think we have a really strong starting point. “The Place, whether we like it or not, is hugely underused,
and costs taxpayers almost half a million in subsidy every year. Retaining enough space for the things that people use it most for, such as local clubs, while providing a new home for the library and really modern new community spaces would seem sensible.
“At the same time, we want to explore investment into significantly improved facilities at Eversley Leisure Centre, including new gymnastics facilities. So although leisure services may look different locally, they would improve. “Coupled with the redevelopment of the council’s housing office, this could provide the modern new housing the area so badly needs, as well as a new GP surgery. We got it right at Pitsea last time – I’m sure we will do so again.”
Opportunities that will be considered include:
1. The development of proposals to provide new homes on the site of the old area housing office, which has been closed for some time. 2. Replacing the under-used facility, The Place with a ground floor community facility – including at least 300sq/m of space for local community groups, clubs and fitness activities and a new library.
3. There could also be significant expansion to Eversley Leisure Centre to ensure the same level of sports facilities remain available locally. Opportunities to provide further facilities for the successful South Essex Gym Club as well as an all-weather pitch will be developed. 4. Working with the NHS and CCG as well as the owners and GPs of Dipple Medical Centre to explore opportunities to improve the health facility. Thousands gathered to see the Christmas lights switch on Saturday 19 November