Created post Second World War on the foundations of a small village, Basildon was one of eight towns destined to become pivotal in the rebuilding of South East England.

Planned with the aim of providing an environment designed to cater for the needs of the 20th century, the town proved a thriving centre for business and commerce. However, as the demands of today's lifestyles have grown, so has the need to remain at the forefront of progress, and so Basildon has capitalised on its location as one of the leading towns of the north side of the Thames, with a major regeneration designed to take the town well into the 21st century as a flagship for the Thames Gateway project, itself an ambitious initiative to revitalise the land to the north and south of the Thames.

This transformation has seen the town reinforce its position at the heart of the area, with upgrading and rebuilding coming together to provide a sophisticated, energetic environment offering huge benefits for those in pursuit of ever increasing prosperity through both commercial and residential sectors.

Particularly impressive is the up-grading of the town centre, home to the Eastgate Shopping Centre. This includes magnificent facilities, with over 100 outlets ranging from high street chain stores to unique specialist shops, as well as an assortment of places to eat and drink. Refurbishment is on-going, with the eventual aim of providing a shopping experience the envy of the south east.

Slightly further afield is the Festival Leisure Park. Here one can enjoy any number of leisure activities, from bowling to work-outs, the cinema or any number of different types of food, from snacks to full meals; enough to satisfy the widest of tastes.