John Baron MP had met with Sanctuary to discuss Laindon and Craylands 

Local MP confident progress will be made in the new town centre for Laindon and the Craylands regeneration 

John Baron, MP for Basildon & Billericay, has met with David Soothill, the Sanctuary appointed Managing Director of Swan [following Sanctuary’s rescue of Swan] and Sam Wait, Swan’s Director of Customer Care and Stakeholder Affairs, to discuss progress of the works at Laindon Shopping Centre and the Craylands Estate. John, David and Sam visited both sites and this included meeting local shopkeepers who have waited nearly four years to move into their new, permanent, retail units.

John said: “It was a pleasure to meet with David and Sam and hear of Sanctuary’s well thought through plans and commitment to consult with local residents and stakeholders over the coming months, and on the huge potential of Laindon Shopping Centre as well as their intention to deliver good quality homes on the Craylands Estate.”

“Sanctuary is one of the largest not-for-profit providers of housing and care in the country. It very much cares about its responsibilities and understands communities need long-term investment to best flourish. We will be keeping in close touch.”

Managing Director for Swan, David Soothill, said: “We  recognise how important the Laindon centre is to the local community and stakeholders, including retailers, and Sanctuary  will support the Swan team to deliver on this stalled project. This will take time, but we are committed to coming out to speak to stakeholders in July and welcome John’s support for this engagement.

It was also great to be able to show John the progress on the regeneration of the Craylands estate and to explain how we are ensuring the Swan team complete Beechwood West while Sanctuary works with Basildon Council and Homes England on wider plans for the estate”.