A PLAN to revamp a neglected part of the town centre with cafes, restaurants and new homes has been given the green light by leading Basildon councillors.

The regeneration strategy for East Square was approved by Basildon Council's cabinet at a meeting last night, with the aim of attracting visitors, including families, to the town centre in the evenings.

In April, the council announced it had bought of the Freedom House/East Walk retail block with the intention of redeveloping it for retail, leisure and residential use.

Basildon Council has enlisted developer Barratt Wilson Bowden Ltd to work on proposals for East Square and the surrounding area.

The scheme will include:

• Residential-led development around East Square

• Smaller scale cafe, restaurant and retail uses immediately bordering East Square

• Improvements to the "public realm" at East Square

• Improved routes through the area

• Engagement with landowners within the town centre

• Engagement with cinema operators to gauge interest

The Brooke House tower block will be refurbished as part of the next phase of the regeneration scheme.

There will be public consultation about the East Square proposals as well as consultation with the tenants and leaseholders in Brooke House.

Phil Turner, Tory leader of Basildon Council, said: "Five years ago I had a plan for this area. Now we own a space which is basically a quarter of the town centre.

"This will enable us to deliver an exciting regeneration scheme that will not only benefit the residents and visitors to Basildon town centre but the whole Borough.

"There is an increasing trend of inward investment in the town centre including the recent planning application for the Mighty Rhino restaurant, the conversion of Trafford House as well as the successful housing developments at Acacia Park and Gloucester Gate.”