BASILDON’S plans for a state-of-the-art 3,500-seat arena have taken a major step forward, as the Council’s Cabinet has approved the formation of a dedicated project team to lead the scheme through to delivery and operator handover.
The decision follows a strong response from the market and encouraging findings from the recent soft market testing report.
Once operational, the Westgate Arena is expected to:
- Attract over 300,000 visitors annually to Basildon Town Centre, boosting footfall for local businesses and retailers
- Become the largest indoor event venue in Essex
- Host a diverse range of events including live music, comedy, theatre, conferences, exhibitions, community events, productions, and e-gaming
Cllr Jessica Power, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Jobs & Skills in welcoming the Cabinet decision, said:
“This is extremely wonderful news for Basildon. The Arena is the flagship component of Westgate Phase 2 – a transformational regeneration project set to establish Basildon as a leading cultural and economic hub for Essex.”
In May 2024, Basildon Council acquired the Westgate Retail Park, securing control over a vital 4.8-hectare site. This area includes key civic assets such as the Towngate Theatre, the Basildon Centre (home to Council offices), the Essex County Council Library, Department for Work and Pensions offices, and NHS services.
Phase 1 of the wider Westgate redevelopment includes plans for 97 new homes and a 100-bed hotel, which will be considered by the Planning Committee next month.
Cllr Power continued:
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver a 3,500-seat venue that creates jobs, supports local businesses, and firmly places Basildon on the regional cultural map.
“The Arena will not only serve as a catalyst for town centre regeneration, but also underpin inclusive cultural programming, build strategic partnerships, and strengthen our identity across the region.”
Next steps for the Arena project include identifying an investment partner and progressing toward a full planning application – paving the way for a landmark venue that will serve as a cornerstone of Basildon’s long-term cultural and economic development.
