Hans hangs up his clogs after 16 years

Hans Wustefeld has finally called time on his role as General Manager of Eastgate after 16 years of loyal service to the Centre and to the town of Basildon.

At an emotional gala evening in the Food Terrace colleagues and friends officially said farewell to 66 year-old Hans, who was born in Holland, and under whose leadership Eastgate has prospered over the years, providing the ambience and facilities that have attracted top retailers, ever-increasing numbers of shoppers and employment within the premises. In addition, he has made Eastgate among the greenest of all shopping centres, and won numerous awards at national, regional and local level.

Alongside the commercial success of Eastgate, Hans has always held the Basildon community close to his heart. His renowned work for The Royal British Legion and The Normandy Veterans Association stems from his respect for, and gratitude to, the veterans of World War 2 who fought to free The Netherlands.

However, Hans has also given great support to many other causes including Age Concern, St Luke’s Hospice, Basildon University Hospital, Little Havens Children’s Hospice and Rotary International. When disasters such as the Boxing Day Tsunami, Haiti and, more recently, Japan struck, he was always among the first to mount appeals to offer the people of Basildon the opportunity to contribute.

Right up until the end of his tenure Hans was working on new projects. These included a Talent Week last October which offered guidance and opportunities for youngsters to develop career paths, and providing help to establish Gateway FM as a community radio station for the town.

As recognition of his outstanding contribution towards the Borough’s success and the community, Hans was presented with the prestigious Alf Dove Award at the gala evening.

As colleagues and friends, we wish Hans and his wife Sue every happiness and the best possible retirement together, and are immensely grateful to for the sixteen wonderful years he has devoted to Eastgate and Basildon.

The new Centre Manager of Eastgate is Ian Clark, who has been Deputy Manager since 1998.

Picture Caption: Hans Wustefeld with Basildon Borough Council Chief Executive Bala Mahendran, having received the Alf Dove Award for outstanding service to Basildon.