Two national developers have been appointed to deliver the £100m transformation of an Essex shopping centre into a new stand-out leisure destination.
Willmott Dixon Developments and Milligan have been appointed for the Baytree Shopping Centre transformation, a key part of Brentwood Borough Council’s vision for a new leisure quarter in the town.
It will be anchored by a new cinema, alongside restaurants, bars and improved public spaces around the ruins of the Chapel of St Thomas à Becket.
New homes could also be delivered to the rear of the site, which will be prepared for a separate development.
Joe Kerby, Regional Head of Land and Development (London & East) at Willmott Dixon Developments, said: “Projects of this scale require ambition, commitment and the right mix of expertise to bring them forward successfully.
“We are pleased to be working with Brentwood Borough Council and Milligan as plans for Baytree progress, combining our experience across development, regeneration and delivery to help move the project forward.
“As proposals develop, we look forward to working closely with local businesses, community groups and residents to understand their priorities and help ensure the project supports the long-term success of Brentwood town centre.”
The project has been valued at more than £100m, with Brentwood Borough Council investing more than £6m in the scheme.
The council will retain ownership throughout the project, acting as landowner, funder and strategic decisionmaker.
More detailed plans on the project are expected to be submitted in the near future, with further council discussions set to take place this autumn.
Stuart Harris, CEO of Milligan, added: “The council has shown real ambition in taking ownership of this opportunity and investing in the long-term future of Brentwood town centre.
“Successful placemaking is about creating destinations that give people more reasons to spend time together, whether that’s through leisure, culture, food and drink or simply high-quality public spaces.
“We’re excited to be working alongside Brentwood Borough Council and Willmott Dixon Developments to help create a destination that can play a significant role in the town’s future success.”
Cllr Gareth Barrett, Chair of the Assets & Strategy Committee at Brentwood Borough Council, added: “People in Brentwood have heard talk about Baytree for a long time. This is different.
“We now have a named delivery partner, a funded scheme, and a clear set of milestones that we’ll report back on publicly at every stage.
“We’ve got a little way to go before work starts on the ground, but I’m seriously excited about this project and the whole new set of opportunities it brings for everyone who lives, works and plays in Brentwood.”
