Lib Dem-led council moves Baytree Centre regeneration forward

Brentwood Borough Council’s Liberal Democrat-led Alliance administration has approved the next steps in regenerating the Baytree Centre, with plans for a premium cinema, restaurants, bars and food outlets, alongside improvements around the historic chapel ruins.

The proposals would create a new leisure area in the town centre, with refurbished public space around the Chapel of St Thomas à Becket. Work to improve the chapel ruins area is expected to begin early in the New Year.

The rear of the Baytree site will be prepared for separate development, with new homes considered the most likely option. The leisure proposals aim to attract more visitors into Brentwood, offering new places to eat, meet and spend time.

The council has appointed Willmott Dixon Developments and Milligan as its development partner. Both bring experience of working with councils across the UK on regeneration projects.

The council will retain ownership of the site throughout, acting as landowner, funder and strategic decision maker. The two development partners will bring specialist leasing and construction expertise needed to deliver a project of this scale.

Keeping a Post Office in the town centre remains a priority to us as a Party. The service is currently based within TG Jones, formerly WH Smith, and it is hoped it will be possible to move it to another town-centre location, following that company’s restructuring, which means TG Jones will close at the end of the year.

At least one business has already come forward to host the Post Office. The relocation has yet to be confirmed, although interim arrangements will be in place with nearby Post Offices to cover services through any relocation. 

Councillor David Kendall, chair of the Finance & Future Development Committee, said: “The time for talking about the future of the Baytree Centre is over. I am delighted that the Council has now put together the action plans and finances to finally get this project moving.

He added: “It will take time to deliver, but work on improving the chapel ruins area will start early in the New Year, and when it’s finished, I know it will lift the whole Town Centre”.

Councillor Kendall spoke ahead of a joint event with the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce to update residents on the future of the Baytree Centre, held by the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and the Council, with Councillor Ben Rigby attending alongside local businesspeople. 

We reported in September that councillors had given their unanimous backing for the Centre’s regeneration and the Liberal Democrats’ commitment to safeguarding a town-centre Post Office, and rebutted misleading claims that the Council was responsible for the latter's closure. 

It also follows our August coverage of plans to revitalise the Baytree Centre as part of wider High Street improvements, including support for local businesses and cleaner, safer streets. 

Together, these developments take forward our ambition to give residents more reasons to visit and spend time in Brentwood.

The scheme forms part of the council’s wider ambitions for Brentwood town centre and complements the work of Brentwood Connected BID to grow footfall, time spent and investment across the High Street, Shenfield and Ingatestone.