Work has recommenced on the East Square Cinema project after the shock news that its main contractor fell into administration.
A new Columbus demolition contractor was hired and diggers started up again today (Monday 11 November) and demolition work will progress in line with the expected delivery programme.
The council is currently working hard on a procurement exercise to appoint a new main contractor to undertake the development of the new cinema and restaurant scheme early in the New Year.
The news that the contractor had gone into administration broke on Tuesday 29 October.
Leader of Basildon Council Gavin Callaghan said: “Basildon town centre is being rebuilt and the cinema is a major part of that plan. When you take on the biggest regeneration project since Basildon was created, especially against the backdrop of national economic uncertainty, there will always be bumps in the road. The test for a council is how they respond to those curveballs. I’m delighted with how we have handled the news that Simons will no longer deliver the site.
“Within a fortnight of this unexpected news, we’ve moved extremely quickly to agree with a new deal for the demolition services to come back on site. They have started work on-site today to keep the project moving. We have been contacted by a big number of construction companies all wishing to construct the new cinema. We are in the process of re-procuring a new delivery partner and we will be in a position to announce which contractor has been successfully appointed over the next few weeks.
“Throughout 2020 residents will see lots of activity around the town centre as our regeneration programme really starts to take shape. This is an exciting time for Basildon.”
