Basildon Council in talks to sell Brooke House and partly reopen former M&S site within six months

Basildon Council says it is negotiating to sell Grade II-listed Brooke House as part of a deal that could partly reopen the former M&S store in the town centre, with the council leader targeting a reopening within six months (reported 9 June). A permanent tenant and a buyer for the 84-flat tower would lift footfall and confidence in the centre. For sellers in Basildon, that underpins town-centre values; for Basildon buyers, the consented 495-flat scheme signals more homes ahead. The deal is not yet signed.