Basildon DC has announced a shortlist of four consortia for the £1bn regeneration of the town centre. The four organisations are John Laing/Gladedale/Scarborough, Lend Lease/British Land, Taylor Wimpey/Quintain, and Wilson Bowden/Barratt Homes. All four will now enter into negotiations with the council and Renaissance Partnership, and after that, an invitation to tender will take place in early 2008. The successful development partner is expected to be announced in June 2008. ‘This is a major milestone in taking forward the regeneration of Basildon town centre,' said cabinet member for regeneration and green issues, Cllr Stephen Horgan. ‘We are delighted to have got to this stage in the process, and are now excited at the prospect of entering the dialogue stage. ‘This process will ensure that Basildon finds a partner which makes a long-term commitment, ensuring the best for the council and its partners, but most importantly the very best for our community.' Ian Butt, development project director for Basildon town centre, said the Learning and Skills Council had also aannounced it was creating a new college campus in the town centre.