Baytree Shopping Centre Brentwood regeneration to move closer

Proposals for a new cinema is being developed by Brentwood Council as part of a planned renovation of the town’s Baytree Shopping Centre.

At a meeting of the asset & strategy committee on September 16, councillors will be asked to approve design principles for the next phase of Baytree’s regeneration and agree the next steps needed to develop and deliver a regeneration scheme for the site.

The proposals include a new cinema, leisure and gym venues, restaurants and cafés, flexible workspace, and improvements to the public areas around the historic ruins of the Chapel of St Thomas à Becket.

Brentwood lost a cinema in 2000 when shutters were permanently pulled down on the ABC cinema in Chapel High.

The new proposals focus on the northern part of the centre, which could be transformed into a lively food, drink and leisure destination, with enhanced shopfronts and better connections between High Street and the Baytree.

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Part of the existing centre would be demolished to make way for the new development, and the Chapel Ruins would be protected and made more of a focal point.

The council says that Brentwood is adapting to changing shopping habits along with a growing appetite for leisure.

It adds the proposals explore how the shopping centre could evolve to support the town’s future, giving people more reasons to visit, stay longer and spend time and money in Brentwood.

If councillors support the recommendations, the council will be able to progress the next stage of the project, including appointment of a lead developer in order to move forward the design, a planning application, and commercial work required to bring forward a vibrant new scheme for the town.

The council bought the centre in 2021. Any new investment in the scheme would sit alongside that original borrowing, with commercial income from the redeveloped centre expected to support both over time.

As part of the proposals, councillors are being asked to approve a maximum equity contribution of £6.52million towards the scheme.

A development contingency reserve of £800,000 would also be set up, allowing officers to bring in specialist legal, financial, technical and property advice as the project progresses.

Councillor Gareth Barrett, committee chair, said, “I know people are keen to see progress on this project, which has been part of conversations about Brentwood’s future for some time.

“The council appointed Willmott Dixon and Milligan to undertake a detailed feasibility study of the Baytree Shopping Centre and wider High Street area, and to develop options for how the site could be regenerated.

"While proposals remain at an early stage and are subject to committee consideration, their work has helped inform a vision that focuses on viability, deliverability and long-term value for Brentwood.”

Longer term, the council is also exploring the potential for residential-led development on the southern part of the site, which could include a mix of housing tenures alongside community and commercial uses.

These ideas are at an early stage and would be subject to further consultation, financial viability checks and planning consideration before any decisions are made.

Subject to councillors’ decision, the current expectation is for work to commence on the Chapel Ruins next year followed by the wider scheme redevelopment with the reopening in summer 2029.

The council is working closely with existing tenants at the centre and has flagged the upcoming meeting to them.

Councillor Barrett added: “We know there are businesses already working hard in the Baytree Shopping Centre.

“If the committee approves the proposal, we will do all we can to support those businesses through the changes ahead.”

A further update will follow once a decision has been reached on September 16.