A HUGE Banksy exhibition could come to a south Essex shopping centre this summer with £15million worth of art going on display. 

Up to 40 pieces of work from the infamous street artist would be put on display in the Eastgate Shopping Centre alongside other high value pieces of art, if a deal can be struck. 

Art dealer John Brandler is in discussions with shopping centre bosses to display his huge collection, which includes a Banksy mural he bought from Nottingham for a “six-figure sum” two weeks ago. 

Mr Brandler revealed his collection is spread across Italy and Switzerland at the moment.

He said: “If there’s a space at the Eastgate, then I will bring them back.

“The exhibition won’t just be Banksy, it will involve the whole town.

“There will be three workshops for children to try out their own street art.

“There’s 30 in a museum in Italy, and up to 12 in Zurich. This will be much more than a museum.

“People’s shopping habits have changed drastically. It’s about making people go to the centre for more than just shopping.

“This will be an international level exhibition, and is what Basildon needs.”

Mr Brandler is also the owner of Banksy’s “Seasons Greetings” piece which appeared on the wall of a garage in Port Talbot, Wales, in 2019. 

Vin Harrop, an artist and historian who helped set up the art gallery in the shopping centre ten years ago, hailed the move as a “win win” for Basildon.

He said: “It’s a really exciting idea, and one that will attract visitors for sure.

“It’s crucial we have this level of art in Basildon. This will be a huge impetus for Basildon.”

Eastgate centre manager Ian Clark, added: “We are exploring the opportunity to welcome an exhibition which could include a number of Banksy artworks. At this point it is only a possibility.

“There is a buzz about Banksy and his work so it would not only be a treat for our regular shoppers but could also attract visitors from further afield to come to Basildon. 

“We will continue to investigate the idea with John Brandler and hope we will have positive news in due course.”