BUSINESSES are being forced to relocate ahead of the proposed redevelopment of Basildon’s East Square.

At the moment, the council is working alongside the affected businesses to find new homes within the town, but will use compulsory purchase powers if any businesses choose not to co-operate.

The fact businesses are being made to relocate came to light as Paddy Power, previously based in Megabet in East Square, were granted planning permission to move into a new base in East Walk.

The council has insisted it will do its best to help businesses move, but was unable to tell the Echo which businesses will be affected, or the number which will have to move.

Recently the council received a £9.8 million funding boost for the redevelopment of East Square from central government’s housing infrastruc - ture fund.

Basildon Council will use the funding to accelerate the deliv - ery of projects outlined within the town centre masterplan focused around East Square and adjoining areas and in addition to the cinema-led regeneration project and 54 new flats in the town centre.

The money, which must be spent by 2021, will support improvements to infrastructure.

Councillor Alan Ball, chairman of Basildon Council’s regeneration and environment committee, said: “In order to deliver the proposed cinema led development scheme at East Square, Basildon Council has been in contact with all the occupiers of affected properties with the aim of discussing their future needs and in particular their relocation options.

“It is important to the council that wherever possible traders can relocate successful businesses.

“At present Basildon Council has not sought compulsory purchase powers to acquire any interests, and has instead done this through negotiation and it will continue to do all it can to reach agreement by negotiation on any remaining transactions.

However, a report recommending a resolution is made to seek Compulsory Purchase Powers should they be necessary will be made to the Policy and Resources Committee in March.

“This is a precautionary measure in case remaining agreements can’t be reached by negotiation so as not to impact on the delivery programme for this important scheme.