Basildon: Regional Shopping Centres

Although the first new houses to be built were in occupation by June 1951, it was not until August 1952 that the first new shops opened. These were at Pendle Drive on the Fryerns 2 estate.

Other early examples were the regional shopping centre or neighbourhood centre at Whitmore Way and at Timberlog Lane at the junction with Long Riding. In the 1950s other Pantry shops were also provided at Church Road, Vange, Luncies Road on the Barstable estate and at Whitmore Way.

During these times the existing shops at Laindon, Pitsea and Vange often provided the main source for provisions for the early new town residents.