Eastgate Shopping Centre

Eastgate Shopping Centre in Basildon has been the town’s main shopping hub since it first opened in the early 1980s. The first phase opened in 1980 with just a few shops and a large supermarket called SavaCentre. A few years later, in 1985, a second phase was added, bringing many more shops, including a large department store called Allders. This expansion also included a food court with plenty of seating, making Eastgate a popular place for both shopping and eating.

Over the years, Eastgate has been home to many well-known stores. Some of the first included Ratners Jewellers, Mothercare, Dorothy Perkins, Burton, and Holland & Barrett.

Later, other famous stores opened, such as Monsoon, Virgin Megastore, Ottakar’s (which later became Waterstones), Clinton Cards, and Sports World. Many of these shops have changed over time, with some closing, relocating, or being replaced. For example, the original SavaCentre supermarket was converted into an Asda in 2004.

Eastgate has also changed owners several times. It was originally owned by Norwich Union, and in 2019 it was bought by InfraRed Capital Partners. After financial difficulties, it was sold again in 2023 to a joint venture between Galliard Homes and DVS Ground Rent.

Today, Eastgate is a modern shopping centre with over 90 stores. Large anchor stores include Asda, Primark, River Island, Superdry, and H&M. The centre continues to host smaller local shops as well. Recent plans aim to make parts of Eastgate into a mixed space, with shops, homes, and leisure facilities, helping to keep it at the heart of Basildon’s town centre.

Eastgate shops by decade

1980s – Opening & Early Years

SavaCentre
Large hypermarket and original anchor store when Eastgate opened.

Asda
Rebranded from SavaCentre; remained the main anchor.

Allders
Major department store introduced during Phase II (1985). One of the biggest attractions in early Eastgate.

Coopers Toys
Popular independent toy and hobby shop with model kits and children’s toys.

Brittains
Another well-known toy and model specialist.

Chelsea Girl
Ladies’ fashion shop which later became River Island.

Concept Man
Menswear retailer typical of 80s high-street fashion.

Our Price
Music shop selling records, tapes, and later CDs.

Granada TV Rentals
Television and electronics rental store.

Woolfmans Hi-Fi
Shop selling hi-fi equipment, TVs and audio systems.

Ravel
Ladies’ footwear retailer.

Baxters Family Butchers
Traditional butchers selling fresh meat.

Gades House Plants
Plant and flower shop.

Spoils
Sold homeware and wicker items.

BT Phone Shop
Sold telephones and telecom equipment.

Webster’s Bookshop
Early Eastgate bookshop before later rebrandings.

Food Court Opens (Late 80s)
Included English Fayre, The Picnic Basket and other early food outlets.

1985/1990s – Expansion, Fashion Chains & Bookshops

Davy’s / Café House
Casual café and meeting spot.

River Island
Chelsea Girl rebranded into River Island in the early 90s.

Topshop / Topman
Major fashion retailer attracting younger shoppers.

Miss Selfridge
Popular ladies’ fashion chain.

Ottakar’s Bookshop
Replaced earlier bookshops, becoming Eastgate’s main bookstore.

Waterstones
Later replaced Ottakar’s after the brand was taken over.

Virgin Megastore
Large music, movies and games retailer.

Sony Centre
Sold Sony audio/visual electronics.

Clinton Cards
Cards and gifting shop, relocated at least once within the centre.

Petit Moi
Children’s clothing and babywear shop.

Hilton’s Fish Bar (Food Court)
One of the well-remembered food outlets.

Sega Park (Arcade)
A popular video-game arcade occupying two units.

Mister Byrite
Value menswear store offering jeans and affordable fashion.

Kitchen Rejects / Spoils
Household and kitchenware discount shop.

Independent Gallery Shops
Upper-level independents including jewellers, pen shops, boutiques and collectable stores.

2000s – Chain Stores & Changing Retail Trends

T.K. Maxx
Discount designer clothing and homeware store.

Accessorize
Fashion accessories retailer (closed 2013).

Foot Locker
Sports footwear retailer occupying a formerly mixed-use unit.

Jewel Nation
Fashion accessories and jewellery retailer.

Sports Good / Sports Shops
Various sports clothing and shoe shops replaced each other in rotating units.

Waterstones (Relocation)
Bookstore moved units within Eastgate.

The Outlet – Designer Clearance
Sold reduced-price branded clothing.

Fun Junction
A leisure and hobby unit.

Wendy’s (Early 2000s return)
Fast-food chain, previously active in the 80s, briefly returned.

2010s – Late Modern Era, Decline of Department Stores

Debenhams
Replaced Allders as the main department store; closed nationally in 2021.

Clinton Cards (Newer Unit)
Returned or relocated after administration restructuring.

Superdrug (Relocation)
Still operating within Eastgate but has moved units over time.

Various Charity Shops
Including short-term leases and pop-up charity outlets.

Independent Mobile / Vape / Tech Shops
Small units focusing on accessories, repairs and electronics.

2020s – Recent Years

Asda
Continues as the centre’s primary anchor store and remains one of the most visited units.

Primark
A major fashion retailer that now acts as one of Eastgate’s key anchors alongside Asda.

JD Sports
A popular sports and streetwear retailer that opened in Eastgate during the 2020s.

River Island
Long-running high-street fashion brand still operating within the centre.

New Look
Modern fashion retailer offering men’s and women’s clothing.

Superdrug
Health, beauty and pharmacy retailer, still operating and occupying a prominent unit.

Holland & Barrett
Health food and supplements store serving the wellness market.

Poundland
Large discount retailer offering everyday essentials and seasonal goods.

Pandora
Jewellery and charms retailer with a significant presence in the centre.

Smiggle
Children’s stationery and gift store known for bright, colourful products.

Starbucks
Coffee shop providing drinks and snacks for shoppers.

Taco Bell
Fast-food restaurant.

McDonald’s
Long-established fast-food chain operating within the shopping centre.

Burger King
Another major fast-food outlet located in Eastgate’s food area.

Subway
Sandwich shop offering made-to-order subs and salads.

Deichmann
European footwear retailer selling shoes for all ages.

Lids
Specialist store focused on hats, caps and branded headwear.

The Fragrance Shop
Perfume and beauty retailer with a modern store layout.

Hays Travel
Travel agency offering holiday bookings and travel services.

British Heart Foundation
Charity shop selling donated goods to support the charity’s work.

Totally Wicked
Vape and e-cigarette retailer.

Timpson
Key cutting, shoe repair, watch repair and engraving services.

Mooboo
Bubble-tea and drinks shop.

Muffin Break
Bakery and café serving muffins, pastries and coffee.

Quire’s
Hair salon and grooming service.

Magic Scissors
Another hairdresser and barber service within the centre.

ESQ
A retail unit offering clothing and accessories.

Happy Hub
A community-focused or lifestyle store providing wellbeing-related goods or services.

Health Centre / Medical Units
A healthcare facility has been introduced or planned within the centre to broaden Eastgate’s services.