Brentwood Borough Council in the UK has appointed Milligan and Willmott Dixon Developments to transform The Baytree Shopping Centre.
The selection was carried out via the Pagabo Developer Led Framework, aligning with the council’s broader plans for Brentwood town centre.
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The project, supported by more than £6m ($7m) in council funding, aims to deliver a new leisure quarter at the front of Brentwood’s town centre.
Its central proposals feature a boutique or premium-format cinema, complemented by new restaurants and bars.
Upgraded public spaces will be developed adjacent to the historic Chapel of St Thomas à Becket ruins, with the intention of enhancing the site’s appeal to both residents and visitors.
Brentwood Council said the initiative aligns with broader ambitions to revitalise the town centre and support the local community.
The rear portion of the shopping centre is being reserved for potential future housing development, though specific details on the number and type of homes have not yet been disclosed.
Milligan CEO Stuart Harris said: “The Council has shown real ambition in taking ownership of this opportunity and investing in the long-term future of Brentwood town centre. Successful placemaking is about creating destinations that give people more reasons to spend time together, whether that’s through leisure, culture, food and drink or simply high-quality public spaces.
“At Milligan, we’ve helped bring forward regeneration projects across the UK that transform underperforming sites into places with a stronger sense of identity, activity and community. We’re excited to be working alongside Brentwood Borough Council and Willmott Dixon Developments to help create a destination that can play a significant role in the town’s future success.”
The redevelopment is the latest in a series of partnerships between Milligan and Willmott Dixon Developments, who are also engaged in long-term regeneration projects in Torbay and Weymouth.
The companies will now progress with detailed design work and the preparation of a planning application, alongside early engagement with current retailers and other centre occupiers.
