A new task force made up of developers and residents will be created to make decisions on the Basildon Council’s (Basildon, England, UK) plans for a 5,000-seat live entertainment arena.
‘Echo’ stated that the town’s Westgate Shopping Centre was purchased by the Council for £18.5 million last year and is due to be leveled to make way for the proposed arena.
It has now been confirmed that the ‘Arena Action Task Force’ will be set up following a report going to the Council in September.
Stated Jessica Power, Labour Councilor for Jobs, Regeneration and Skills, “We’ve got so much going on across the borough around regeneration and one of the main things we’re always talking about is the arena. This week started off with a really positive meeting around what we can do with the arena and we’ve got some really good feedback in terms of operators and what we can bring to Basildon.”
‘Echo’ further stated that plans for the 5,000-seat arena are a core part of the Council’s plans to regenerate the Basildon Town Centre which also include the opening of a new Wetherspoon pub and the creation of 492 new homes.
Added Power, “The next step for us is to develop an Arena Action Task Force and that means we can bring in those operators and start making cross-party decisions. We’ll be bringing in the local developers and the local residents to be a part of that task force, help make those decisions and shape what the arena will look like for Basildon.”
While much of the Westgate is scheduled for demolition a portion of the shopping center that currently includes shops such as Dreams, JD Sports, Home Bargains, and Hobbycraft will remain.
Gavin Callaghan, Labour Leader of Basildon Council, previously stated that demolition work for the arena will be completed before Christmas and that it will serve as a regional stop for major tours, performers and the sporting events.
The Council’s wide-reaching plan for regenerating the town center is not only focused on leisure and retail with the opening of a new “mini hospital” this Winter set to offer 24/7 NHS care to the residents and slash the waiting times.
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