Exact date Waterstones will return to Eastgate Shopping Centre in Basildon a decade after closure

Popular bookshop Waterstones has shared the exact date it will be reopening in Basildon after being closed for over a decade. The new store will be located in the Eastgate Centre and is due to launch later this month.

The store will have something for all tastes, from children's picture books to the latest fiction and non-fiction releases. Double points are available for existing Waterstones Plus Card holders on the first three days of trading.

Waterstones has now confirmed that the store will open on Friday, April 25, with double points being offered until the end of Sunday, April 27. The news follows the announcement of two new Waterstones branches in London, which opened in Streatham and Lewisham ahead of Christmas 2024 – just a month after Waterstones returned to Oxford Street.

Dave Sheldrake, Retail Manager, Waterstones, says: “We are absolutely delighted to announce the opening of our new Waterstones Basildon bookshop in the Eastgate Centre. The shop will open its doors to customers on 25th April and marks the return of Waterstones to the town after over a decade.

"Situated in the heart of the Eastgate Centre, our bookshop will be a great destination for local readers. The bookselling team, under the leadership of bookshop manager Kathleen, can’t wait to welcome customers.

To celebrate the opening, we will be offering double points on in-store purchases between the 25th and 27th of April to new and existing Waterstones Plus Card holders. There will also be special appearances from everyone’s favourite supercop – Dogman.

"In our new store we will strive to cater to all of Basildon – from youngsters starting their book-loving journey to history enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge. We can’t wait to share all the wonderful new publishing with our local community, there is nothing quite like visiting a bookshop and discovering your next favourite read.