Regeneration of Wickford town centre
Wickford town centre will be undergoing significant and exciting change over the next 18 months, with a number of major projects to be completed that will benefit the local community, and help to re-establish Wickford as a popular destination and thriving market town.
Key projects to be delivered include:
- A new and improved market
- New public toilets
- High Street improvements
- Investing in leisure - Wickford Pool refurbishment and a new fitness suite
More information on each of the projects is available in the Regeneration of Wickford town centre leaflet (PDF, 309 KB)(opens new window)
A regeneration strategy for Wickford town centre was approved by councillors at a cabinet meeting in March 2013.
View the Wickford Town Centre Regeneration Strategy document (opens new window)
An update was given on negotiations with local health providers regarding improved health facilities for the area and with Sainsbury's who own the Co-operative supermarket site. Proposals are also to be brought forward for High Street improvements to paving and landscaping a regular High Street market and extended leisure centre.
Basildon Councillor Malcolm Buckley, cabinet member for regeneration, says: "The council has always been committed to the comprehensive regeneration of Wickford town centre, and we were disappointed that we could not sign up a development partner in 2010 due to the recession. However, we could not get the right deal for Wickford, so had to withdraw from the process.
"Since then, we have been working hard on plans for the area, talking to third party developers and landowners, and ensuring that we could bring forward a realistic and viable way forward for the town.".
Cabinet Meeting 16th February 2006
Master Plan approved - Wickford Town Centre Master Plan was approved as a 'material consideration' for the determination of planning applications relating to Wickford Town Centre.
Cabinet Report and Minutes (opens new window)
The draft Master Plan (November 2005) also contains illustrative drawings that help set out what the Master Plan is trying to achieve. Until such a time the Approved Master Plan is transferred into a similar illustrative form, you may find it helpful to consider the November draft.
Please Note: Where differences exist between the Approved Master Plan and the draft Master Plan, either in textual, tabular or diagrammatic form, the Approved version takes precedence.
Wickford Town Centre Master Plan - Cabinet Enclosure 1
Development and Environment Scrutiny Panel Meeting 7th February 2006
Public Consultation - Four weeks of consultation in November and December 2005 on the draft Wickford Town Centre Master Plan and Sustainability Appraisal generated over 684 responses from local people, businesses and stakeholders.
A summary of the responses received during the Public Consultation was reported to the Development and Environment Scrutiny Panel on 7 February 2006.
Scrutiny Panel Report and Minutes (opens new window)