Willmott Dixon appointed to redevelop Brentwood Shopping Centre

By Danny BallPublished On: October 2nd, 2026Categories: News, Top Stories

Willmott Dixon Developments and Milligan have been appointed by Brentwood Borough Council to progress the redevelopment of the Baytree Shopping Centre, with plans for a new leisure quarter and future housing potential.

The partners have been appointed through Pagabo’s Developer Led Framework following approval of the proposals by the council earlier this month.

The scheme will focus initially on the front of the existing shopping centre, where a new leisure quarter is planned.

This will include a boutique or premium-format cinema, restaurants and bars, alongside improvements to public space around the historic ruins of the Chapel of St Thomas à Becket.

More than £6m of council funding will be invested in the scheme.

Baytree redevelopment to create new leisure quarter

The rear of the Baytree site will be prepared separately, with the work creating the potential for new homes to be developed there in the future.

The redevelopment forms part of Brentwood Borough Council’s wider plans for the town centre, with Willmott Dixon Developments and Milligan responsible for taking the proposals forward.

Councillor Gareth Barrett, chair of the Assets and Strategy Committee at Brentwood Borough Council, said: “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.”

The next stage will involve developing the detailed design and preparing a planning application before work can begin on site.

Willmott Dixon to progress development proposals

Willmott Dixon Developments will work with Milligan on the development and regeneration aspects of the scheme.

Joe Kerby, regional head of land and development (London & East) at Willmott Dixon Developments, said: “This redevelopment is a strong example of a council taking a proactive approach to repurposing a town centre asset to meet the needs of the local community.

“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.

“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 appointment builds on an existing relationship between Willmott Dixon Developments and Milligan. The companies are also working together on a 10-year regeneration partnership in Torbay and were appointed by Dorset Council as regeneration partners for Weymouth.

Detailed design and planning work to begin

Milligan CEO Stuart Harris said: “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.

“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 project team will now progress detailed design work, with a planning application to follow. Early engagement with existing occupiers of the Baytree Shopping Centre is also planned.