A major milestone in Basildon's regeneration will be marked this October with the opening of a brand-new £2.75 million Wetherspoon pub, Sigered, King of Essex. Officially opening its doors on Tuesday, 21 October, the venue brings jobs, investment, and a nod to local history to the heart of the town centre.
Named after Sigered, the last known Saxon King of Essex (reigned 798-825 AD), the pub honours Basildon's historic roots while looking firmly to the future. With its central location next to the newly developed Vue Cinema and East Square, the pub replaces the former Moon on the Square and serves as a key addition to the town's ongoing transformation.
The opening of Sigered, King of Essex has already made a significant local impact, creating over 70 new jobs through a successful collaboration with Basildon Council's Pathways employment service.
Cllr Jessica Power, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Jobs & Skills, praised the opening as a landmark moment for the town:
"This is a new chapter for Basildon's regeneration and for our community. It's encouraging to see real investment translating into tangible benefits - not just in terms of job creation, but in revitalising our town centre. We warmly welcome the new team and look forward to the positive energy this brings."
Ahead of the opening, Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Leader of Basildon Council, and Cllr Power will meet with the pub's management and staff on Friday, 17 October, to officially welcome them to the borough.
With its historic name and community-focused vision, Sigered, King of Essex isn't just a new pub - it's a symbol of Basildon's renewal.