A major new pub is to take up a key slot in the £30 million Fodderwick shopping attraction.

Work on the Fodderwick shopping centre is going to plan and nearly 97 per cent of the units have been claimed.

It is hoped the majority of the centre will be open in time for this year's Christmas rush.

The latest to join the giant scheme is Scottish and Newcastle Retail's traditional John Barras & Co pub.

Not yet named, the pub is expected to bring its "value for money prices" to its first Essex venue.

The style of pub is described by Scottish and Newcastle Retail as "traditional local".

A Wheel of Fortune is to be spun every night to pick a special price offer, an idea said to combine fun with good value.

Edwin Luckham-Down, of Scottish and Newcastle Retail, said: "The prominent corner unit of this town centre scheme is considered a prime location and perfect for our John Barras brand to serve both the shoppers and local community alike. We are very pleased with the acquisition."

The new letting brings the 140,200 sq ft town centre development to over 80 per cent pre-let with nine of the 12 retail units now signed up.

Two other lettings are in thehands of solicitors and are expected to be announced in the next few weeks - bringing the total let to 97 per cent.

Those already signed to move in are Powerhouse, JD Sports, Rosebys, Argos, Hobbycraft, Scottish and Newcastle pub, Yates's Wine Lodge, Wilkinsons and MVC.

They will be set out in three separate buildings on the old Fodderwick car park site.

The two pubs are to be put together and placed opposite the existing Beehive pub - the old Market Tavern.

Mark Jackson, of the Teesland Group, developer of the site, said: "We are delighted S&N Retail have decided to take this unit at this major new development.

"It offers retailers and consumers the best of both worlds being largely in the style of an out-of-town retail park with convenient access, while also being located close to Basildon's existing town centre.

"With the project on track for completion in time for Christmas trading in 1999 we are extremely pleased with progress to date."

Going to plan - work continues on the £30 million Fodderwick shopping centre

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.