Plans to develop wasteland next to the Flix Cinema, South Woodham, and create a shopping mall and offices have been welcomed this week.

The scheme is being developed jointly by chartered accountants Khan Thornton and builder Malcolm Babbage.

It would have three storeys: the ground floor devoted to shops, the first floor with 25,000 square feet of offices and the top floor with more offices and penthouse flats.

Dino Khan, of Khan Thornton, who unveiled the plans this week, said: "I want to get people to use the town centre.

"We have all the facilities here, but don't have the quality and quantity of shops to attract people. This will have 15 shops in an indoor shopping mall. The more shops we have, the more people will stay here."

The building would be accessed through one entrance from the car park opposite and another from the market square. A large foyer with a coffee shop and a fast food restaurant are also suggested.

The land is currently in the process of being sold to Asda/Walmart, and Mr Khan hopes that the deal will go ahead quickly. He needs Asda to sell it on so that the site can be developed by October.

Town council chairman Muriel Gower said: "I think it is excellent news if it will create shops and clear up an eyesore.

"It has been like it for so long. I am glad that a scheme has come along to make use of that area."

Borough and town councillor Chris Stephenson, Chelmsford's Mayor elect, said: "The site is well overdue to be developed.

"Any shops and offices he can bring into the town can only be good for the town, with more employment. I am all for it."

South Woodham traders have formed a group called SWAB (South Woodham Alliance of Businesses) to promote business in the town. Anyone interested in finding out more can contact town centre manager Cathy MacBride on 01245 357646.

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