BOLD plans have been mooted to build a new employment park which would create 2,000 jobs and bring £50million to Basildon’s economy.

St Modwen Logistics wants to hear views from residents regarding an idea to build the park on land east of the Burnt Mills Industrial Estate.

The site, just to the south of the A127, is roughly the size of 89 football fields and would be accessed by a new link road which would run through it, travelling between the A127 and Pound Lane.

The firm is a developer that creates sustainable projects, focusing on creating industrial spaces.

It is looking at the site as it has been identified by Basildon Council as an area for employment development and a key space for jobs growth in supporting the economy.

St Modwen said it wants to bring a range of commercial buildings of different sizes to “meet market demand for storage and distribution and industrial uses”.

It said there would be smaller buildings built on areas closer to “sensitive neighbours”.

The consultation is open until the end of the month and the developers plan to submit their application in autumn this year, with a target of late 2023 or early 2024 to start construction.

The first buildings would be occupied by 2025 if the plans are approved.

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In response to concern about levels of traffic, St Modwen are working on other means of getting to and from the new park outside of the A127.

A spokesman said: “Essex County Council is in the process of assessing options to upgrade the A127/Pound Lane junction in response to the expected growth in employment and housing that is proposed for this area as part of the draft Local Plan.

“We are also proposing to extend bus services into the site for employees and existing residents to access Basildon town centre and the train station.”

Luke Mackenzie, deputy Basildon mayor and Pitsea ward councillor, welcomed potential investment in Basildon but said residents’ voices must be heard.

The consultation runs until August 29. Visit stmodwen-burntmills.co.uk.