The Baytree Shopping Centre, Brentwood

The council-approved proposal focuses on creating a leisure quarter at the front of the site, anchored by a boutique or premium-format cinema alongside restaurants, bars and upgraded public space around the historic ruins of the Chapel of St Thomas à Becket. The rear of the site will be prepared separately, opening up the potential for new homes in the future.

in the future.

The council is investing over £6 million into the scheme, as part of its wider ambitions for Brentwood town centre.

Repurposing a key town centre asset

The Baytree Shopping Centre presents an opportunity to respond to changing town centre needs by introducing a stronger mix of leisure, culture, food and drink.

Willmott Dixon Developments and Milligan will work with the council to turn its ambition into a viable, fundable and deliverable scheme. This will include progressing the design, testing the proposals and establishing a clear route through planning and into delivery.

The approach will also consider the longer-term potential of the wider site, including preparing land at the rear of the centre for possible residential development.

Creating a destination for Brentwood

The vision is to create a more active and welcoming part of the town centre, with new places for residents and visitors to meet, spend time and enjoy throughout the day and evening.

Upgraded public space around the chapel ruins will help celebrate the site’s heritage, while the proposed cinema, restaurants and bars will introduce new activity and strengthen Brentwood’s appeal as a destination.

Local businesses, community groups, existing occupiers and residents will have opportunities to help shape the proposals as they develop.

The next steps include detailed design work, early engagement with existing occupiers and preparation of a planning application.