Press Release

Preferred developer announced for Basildon’s Craylands Estate

28 February 2006

Basildon Community Housing Association (BCHA) and Lovell have been selected by national regeneration agency English Partnerships, in consultation with Basildon District Council, as the preferred developer for the £200m regeneration of the Craylands Estate and former Fryerns School site in Basildon.

English Partnerships has been working closely with Basildon District Council and architects PRP to develop a masterplan for the regeneration of the area. BCHA and Lovell will be responsible for delivering up to 650 new homes and rebuilding up to 600 homes, in addition to creating a new local centre, which will include retail and community uses.

Paul Hartmann, English Partnerships’ Area Director for Kent and Essex said, “This is an important step towards delivering much needed improvements to the estate. We have established a good dialogue with local people and have an understanding of the changes they would like to see at Craylands, I’m convinced that BCHA and Lovell are the right people to help us deliver that vision.”

Mark Thompson, Executive Director of Swan Housing Group, commented, “Basildon Community Housing Association, part of the Swan Housing Group, is delighted to have been chosen to deliver the regeneration of this community. We have a strong commitment to working and delivering in Basildon and will rise to the challenges ahead.

We have a long-standing and successful relationship with both English Partnerships and Basildon District Council and are excited to be working with Craylands residents. By putting design at the top of the agenda we will ensure that we deliver what residents need and create homes and a vibrant community they will be proud to live in.”

Cllr Tony Ball, Basildon District Council said, “I am very pleased to finally see something happening on the Fryerns school site. It was a very difficult decision when choosing BCHA from an excellent shortlist of candidates. I now look forward to working with the residents of Craylands, BCHA and English Partnerships in delivering a development to be proud of.”

BCHA and Lovell will immediately begin work with English Partnerships on finalising the masterplan for the site. The local community will remain closely involved in the process. The 10-year development programme will see work start on site in 2007 and the first new homes delivered within two years.