Once known as ‘Bas Vegas’ given its abundance of nightlife options, Basildon might have fallen off the clubbing map in recent years, but it remains a focal point for those living in South Essex. The town of Basildon, part of the wider Basildon Borough (which also includes the towns of Billericay and Wickford), is a key economic hub with extensive retail and industry, including more than 200 shops in its busy town centre.