Kaspas, on the ground floor of the Vue cinema complex in the town centre, suddenly closed on Friday after a notice was placed on the window stating the council had taken back control of the lease.
Kaspa’s has been a popular feature of Basildon’s town centre since opening (Image: George Pizani) It is unclear at this stage why the council issued the notice but it confirmed the dessert parlour was now shut.
Shocked residents took to social media after the business, which sells ice cream, desserts, waffles and coffee, proved popular since opening in 2022.
Signs in the window indicate that Basildon Council has retaken control of the building (Image: George Pizani)
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Basildon Council celebrated the successful completion of the cinema project last summer when Vue opened their doors after a series of major setbacks when Empire Cinemas collapsed ahead of its planned opening.
The cinema is surrounded by a number of eateries, including Kaspas, Orleto Lounge and Nandos.
Jessica Power, Labour councillor for Laindon Park, admitted it is a blow but remains confident the council can attract a new operator. Kaspa’s has hundreds of stores across the country (Image: George Pizani)She said: “A business closure is always a blow to the town centre, but it is evidence we need to press on with our regeneration in Basildon and across the borough to ensure we are attracting businesses that will succeed long term alongside increasing footfall and creating more inviting and safe community spaces.
“The new year will see a lot of exciting construction works starting in the town centre and this should instil hope in residents and businesses that we are committed to growing and developing this borough for the future.
“The council is committed to working with retailers to attract and retain businesses alongside this and look to a brighter future for the town centre.”
The shop appears to have been vacated at short notice, with food left open inside (Image: George Pizani) The £25million project to create a cinema complex in East Square began back in 2020 and Basildon Council remains as landlord for all businesses based on the site.
A Basildon Council spokesperson said: “As landlord for the property, Basildon Council has re-taken possession of a unit at East Square, Basildon.”