Basildon: Business park plan revealed

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Plans for a multi-million pound business park have been given more impetus with the development of a draft plan.

The scheme for Gardiners Lane South, Basildon, follows a week-long design workshop with the community, including employers, residents, emergency services and social club members.

The workshop run by Basildon Council and landowner English Partnerships (EP) aroused particular interest because the development would mean relocating homes and sports clubs.

Controversy surrounded the relocation of 14 privately-owned properties and Basildon United Football Club, rugby club and gun club.

The draft plan includes:

Creation of 1.5million sq ft of business space

A 55,000 sq ft innovation centre for training, development, business support services and start-up companies

450 new homes

Up to 10,000 new jobs

A hotel

A crche

Conference and exhibition facilities

An A127 link road

Improved public transport

Open space, including a nature reserve.

EP assistant director Helen Smith said: "I think we all recognise how important the site will be for the future success of Basildon - and for the region - which is why there was so much interest."

Published Thursday August 22, 2002

Brought to you by the Evening Echo

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