Laindon Centre Regeneration

We held a groundbreaking ceremony on December 15 at the Laindon regeneration site, attended by local MPs and councillors to mark the beginning of the project.

The elected representatives were given a tour of the site and viewed plans for the new development, providing 205 homes for social or affordable rent and ownership options.

Councillor Andrew Baggot, Leader of Basildon Council, said:

“This is very exciting news for residents of Laindon who have waited patiently for decades for this scheme to be delivered. This is a new start for residents and I look forward to being updated on progress.”

We have used your feedback to develop proposed plans for the scheme. In December, we held two drop-in public consultation events to get your feedback on these plans.

The proposed development will deliver new, affordable, and high-quality housing, along with local shops that will include a larger Lidl supermarket and units for local retailers. 

There is also an option to improve the existing medical center and provide managed parking. 

The development will also provide a suitable setting for the war memorial and the historic Laindon fountain.

View the proposed Laindon regeneration plans.

Sanctuary announced in March it was acquiring Swan Housing Association, and that we would progress the Laindon Centre regeneration. 

We held two community events so you could have your say.

Almost 500 people attended community events held at Laindon Community Centre and Paddocks Community Hall on Thursday, 27 July. Members of Sanctuary’s project team were on hand to listen to residents’ views and talk to them about Sanctuary’s initial ideas for the scheme.

Displays showed several different options for the site, all of which delivered a mixture of new housing, shops, and a new health centre/GP surgery.

Sarah Brind, Sanctuary’s Head of Development – South, said:

“It was great to meet with the community in Laindon and I’d like to thank all those people who came along to hear our ideas and share their thoughts.

“We know how important this project is to the local community and we are absolutely committed to getting the regeneration back on track and delivering results that Laindon and the wider borough of Basildon can be proud of.”

View the displays and information from the event (PDF 1.58MB).

The review follows Sanctuary’s acquisition of Swan in February, ending months of uncertainty about the future delivery of Swan’s services.

Peter Martin, Group Managing Director—Development, Sanctuary, said:

“We understand why the residents of Laindon are concerned about the lack of progress. They have been left with a partially completed site at the heart of the town and limited updates about the next steps.

“Our review of the site is underway to find a solution to get the regeneration back on track. We’re aiming to discuss our plans with the community in July before we agree a way forward.”

Peter added, “We’re confident that, working in partnership with the local community and Basildon Council, we will find a solution to move this project forward.

“We have experience managing large, complex, and high-quality developments and will work as quickly as we can to submit new proposals. However, given the scale of the challenges, we will need time to ensure the plans are deliverable and viable.”

Senior leaders at Sanctuary and Swan have met with Basildon Council executives to discuss the project following Sanctuary’s takeover of Swan.

Councillor Andrew Baggott, Leader of Basildon Council, said:

“I am pleased that Sanctuary recognises the importance of re-starting the Laindon town centre project and is committed to its delivery. The site is deeply important to the local community, and I look forward to work starting soon. I have had the opportunity to meet with Sanctuary representatives, and they, too, recognise the significance of getting the scheme delivered.

“I was pleased to hear their desire to take responsibility for progression and a keenness to work in Basildon for many years to come.”