BASILDON Council has spent £8million buying up a row of shops as it pushes ahead with plans to transform the town centre.

The deal on the stretch of units running from Freedom House, in East Square, to the end of East Walk, next to Toys R Us, means the authority now has control of about a quarter of the town centre.

Tory council leader Phil Turner wants a development of restaurants, shops and homes which will "last a thousand years" built in its place.

Freedom House has been blighted by high vacancy rates and squatters in recent years.

This week's deal will allow the council to become a member of the Basildon Town Centre Management group, giving it a greater say about the future of the area.

Mr Turner said: "This is a measure of the administration's ambition. Lots of critics were doubting our commitment, but let's see if they doubt us now.

"Basildon was born in the Fifties and developed in the Sixties, Seventies and Eighties, but this signals the start of its redevelopment.

"Bringing a development like this into the heart of the town centre will bring so many benefits.

"We need to move on quickly. It needs to be innovative but it also needs to stand the test of time.

"We cannot go for a quick fix."

The purchase of the block will allow the council to receive an annual income from renting traders.

Iain Bond, from Basildon Town Centre Management, said: "We are pleased to see the council investing in the town.

"The regeneration of East Square is an important objective for Basildon Town Centre Management and the council’s acquisition will help unlock its potential."

Property consultants Cushman and Wakefield have been advising the council on town centre regeneration.

Ross Campbell, director of retail investment at the firm, said: "Basildon Council have been very proactive in securing this block of retail and vacant offices that has previously seen high vacancy rates and squatter problems.

"Their ongoing plans for the block as well as their aspirations for town centre regeneration means the shoppers and residents of Basildon will be the real winners in this acquisition.”

Mr Turner hopes blueprints and plans for the redevelopment of East Square will be unveiled before the end of the year.

The scheme will also include Brooke House, the Sixties tower block which has been classed as "unsuitable for families" by Basildon Council.

Mr Turner added: "Five years ago I had a plan for Brooke House.

"Now we have an area from Brooke House to Toys R Us, which is basically a quarter of the town centre, and I am delighted we can look at all of that."