As Basildon grew, the original 1950s and 1960s centre was expanded with major new shopping, entertainment, parking and transport developments. Several became landmarks in their own right.
Phase I opened 1980 – Phase II completed 1985
Eastgate transformed the eastern side of Basildon Town Centre by bringing a large area of shopping under cover. Work on the first phase began in 1978 and the initial shopping centre opened in 1980. It incorporated new units, existing shops and the large SavaCentre hypermarket.
The much larger second phase opened in September 1985, adding around seventy standard shop units, numerous smaller speciality units and the Allders department store. A food court followed shortly afterwards. Southernhay was realigned as part of the development, allowing further pedestrianisation of the town centre.
North Gunnels – opened 5 September 1971
The ABC was Basildon's major purpose-built town-centre cinema. It opened with two screens: the larger auditorium seated 644 and the second seated 455. The opening films were Love Story and On the Buses, with actors Doris Hare and Anna Karen attending as special guests.
A third screen was added in 1979. The cinema later became Cannon and then Robins. Increasing competition from multiplex cinemas eventually brought an end to regular film screenings there, and it closed in December 1999. Parts of the former building have since been adapted for other uses.
Great Oaks – completed 1972
The Great Oaks multi-storey car park was an important part of the town centre's attempt to separate cars from pedestrians. Completed in November 1972, it was built over five levels with space for around 1,100 vehicles.
Pedestrian links connected the car park with the elevated High Pavement development. A bridge also once crossed Great Oaks from the car park. Although a car park might seem an unusual landmark, it was an important piece of the New Town's planning system: motorists could arrive at the edge of the shopping centre and continue on foot through largely traffic-free shopping streets.
Station Way – opened 25 November 1974
A central railway station had been discussed for many years after the New Town was designated. Basildon station finally opened on 25 November 1974 between Laindon and Pitsea. The first train to call was the 4:45am service towards Fenchurch Street.
The station strengthened the connection between the purpose-built town centre and London. Its construction required Station Way, a new roundabout, bridge works and pedestrian subways. It became one of the most important gateways into central Basildon and remains essential to the town's commuter role.
The early 1970s Block S development completed the northern side of Town Square. It included new shops, Northgate House and High Pavement, extending the centre vertically as well as horizontally. Marks & Spencer was among the first major stores to open in this development in 1971.
High Pavement provided access to leisure and commercial uses above the normal shopping level and connected with the Great Oaks car park. The development reflected the Development Corporation's continuing attempt to combine shopping, offices, leisure and parking while maintaining pedestrian separation.