Willmott Dixon Developments and Milligan to Lead Brentwood’s Baytree Shopping Centre Regeneration

Brentwood Borough Council has appointed Willmott Dixon Developments and Milligan to spearhead the regeneration of The Baytree Shopping Centre, marking a significant step in the town centre’s revitalisation plans. The appointment was made through Pagabo’s Developer Led Framework and follows the council’s approval of the redevelopment proposal earlier this month.

The transformation focuses on establishing a new leisure quarter at the front of the site, featuring a boutique or premium-format cinema as the anchor tenant. This will be complemented by a range of restaurants, bars, and enhanced public spaces surrounding the historic ruins of the Chapel of St Thomas à Becket. Meanwhile, the rear section of the site will be prepared separately, with future potential for residential development.

To support the scheme, the council is investing over £6 million, aiming to create a vibrant destination that encourages more visitors to spend time in Brentwood town centre.

Councillor Gareth Barrett, chair of the Assets and Strategy Committee at Brentwood Borough Council, commented: “People in Brentwood have heard talk about Baytree for a long time. This is different. We now have a named delivery partner, a funded scheme, and a clear set of milestones that we’ll report back on publicly at every stage. We’ve got a little way to go before work starts on the ground, but I’m seriously excited about this project and the whole new set of opportunities it brings for everyone who lives, works and plays in Brentwood.”

Joe Kerby, regional head of land and development (London & East) at Willmott Dixon Developments, described the project as “a strong example of a council taking a proactive approach to repurposing a town centre asset to meet the needs of the local community.” He added, “Together with Milligan, our role is to help turn that ambition into a scheme that is viable, fundable and deliverable, bringing our combined development and regeneration experience to the project.”

Kerby also highlighted plans to collaborate with local stakeholders: “Over the coming months, we’ll work closely with local businesses, community groups and residents to help shape a redevelopment that supports Brentwood’s long-term success.”

The Baytree initiative builds on an existing partnership between Willmott Dixon Developments and Milligan, who are also engaged in a 10-year regeneration partnership in Torbay. More recently, they were appointed by Dorset Council as regeneration partners for Weymouth’s future development.

Stuart Harris, CEO at Milligan, praised the council’s commitment: “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.”

Harris further stated, “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 next phases of the project include advancing detailed design work, submitting a planning application, and initiating early engagement with current occupiers of The Baytree Shopping Centre.