BASILDON’S Eastgate Centre has been put on the market for £80million.

Jones Lang La Salle, an international estate agent specialising in commercial property, has listed the 800,000 sq ft centre as up for let.

However, a council source revealed owners British Land will sell if the price is right.

Property experts believe the shopping mall, which opened 28 years ago, could fetch £80million.

Former Eastgate Centre manager Hans Wusterfeld, who is now head of Basildon Town Centre Management, said there is no need for business owners or residents to worry about the potential changes.

London-based British Land owns nine retail park properties, 89 superstores, 17 shopping centres and 13 department stores across the country.

He said: “The Eastgate Centre has been in Basildon a long time, and British Land is a property company and their business is buying and selling.

“If they found a buyer it wouldn't make much difference to Basildon because the shopping centre would still be there. It would just have a new owner.”

However, Independent Labour party leader Phil Rackley, who is also ward councillor for St Martin’s, is concerned.

He said: “For businesses in the Eastgate Centre it gives them uncertainty, particularly for the small, independent units.

“If we look at the rest of the town centre at the moment a lot of businesses are closed, so these changes make you think if the future of the Eastgate Centre is safe. I hope so.”