Retaining Walls, Ramp, Steps, Staircases, Bench And Raised Paving

The retaining walls, ramp, steps, staircases, bench, and raised paving in Basildon were designed in 1962 by architect Anthony B Davies, who was the chief architect and planner for Basildon Development Corporation, with consultancy from Sir Basil Spence for the town centre. This sunken square was created to complement Brooke House.

On the west side, there is a broad flight of steps leading to a lower level, accompanied by a curved ramp featuring cobble-clad retaining walls and concrete coping along the parapet. The upper ramp also has cobble cladding on its retaining walls, with painted steel railings and a hardwood handrail. The east side includes double 'row' shops at the ground and first floors, which are part of Freedom House and not included in the listing. A projecting 'L' plan reinforced concrete staircase with precast treads is supported by a cranked reinforced concrete carriage beam and has painted steel railings with a hardwood handrail above. At the base of the staircase, there is a purpose-designed bench made of vertical teak slats fixed to a light tubular steel framework. This structure is part of a group with Brooke House, designed to complement it.