Search begins for Wickford town centre partner

The official hunt for a strategic development partner for the £120million regeneration of Wickford town centre has begun.

After months of technical preparations, Basildon District Council have advertised through the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) stating their desire to engage a strategic development partner to redevelop Wickford town centre.

Wickford town centre is alive with potential and opportunity. A town of over 30,000 residents and a Principal Town Centre within Basildon District, it is just 35 miles east of London and well served by a direct train service into London Liverpool Street. Over the next 15 years the regeneration of the town centre will see the additional construction of new homes, community space, retail, commercial, and leisure outlets. A public building incorporating a health centre, swimming pool, fitness suite and other public facilities such as a library is also included in the plans.

Councillor Stephen Horgan, Cabinet Member for Development and Regeneration, said, “ The regeneration of our town centres is our top priority. The procurement of a strategic development partner demonstrates our commitment to the development industry and invites them to come up with the best solutions for Wickford. It will also ensure that we find a partner for the long-term in Wickford for the benefit of the local community.”

Interested parties can register their interest through wickfordtowncentre.com where all of the relevant materials are available, including the Descriptive Document. This summarises the Council’s vision for the town centre according to the Wickford town centre master plan, which was approved in February 2006. Interested parties must complete a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ), which will allow the Council to assess the suitability of potential development partners. This needs to be returned by 1pm on Monday 19th November.

Rab Fallon, Interim Project Director for Wickford town centre, explained the process, “ Following the PQQ stage, it is anticipated that between three and five bidders will be short-listed for the competitive dialogue stage. During this stage a period of dialogue will take place with each of the bidders to develop their solutions. After this, those bidders will be invited to tender. That is due to happen by June 2008. We expect to have a partner signed up to a conditional development agreement by September 2008.”

Councillor Malcolm Buckley, Leader of Basildon District Council, said, “We are delighted that we have now reached this major milestone in the scheme. The Council and Renaissance Partnership have a clear vision for Wickford town centre, which was set out in the master plan. This gives the private sector a solid structure to work within, and demonstrates the public sector commitment to the future. Wickford and the Basildon District offers huge opportunities, and we look forward to working with the industry to realise them.”