As part of Tomas Bata's ideal it was recognised that there was a need for housing.
As the factory took shape providing a lot of employment for the local Essex people,
a garden city was planned. The houses were designed by top architects of the time, the first street to be completed being Bata Avenue. The Company also had it's own farm, shops, cinema and sporting facilities which included tennis courts and a swimming pool. Play areas were supplied for the children of the workers and a School and College were built.