Last week we celebrated 30 years since the Royals Shopping Centre opened in Southend. The Royals along with the Victoria Circus, were great additions to the High Street.
Many people I speak to reminisce about the good old days of the High Street. I do not want that to be the narrative of our town or of our High Street.
With Southend Borough Council’s budget approval last month there is a lot to be looking forward to for our town’s future.
It is not only the High Street that will see investment, the Queensway project as well as extra investment into the Forum, improving facilities for all residents as well as students.
It’s not just the centre of town that will experience regeneration. City Beach is extending to the East seeing a lot more development along the seafront. The Seaway Development will include an IMAX cinema along with more restaurants.
Shoebury will also see new investment with East Beach set for a boost with the long awaited opening of a new restaurant, a maze in Shoebury Park and more improvements to Shoebury Common and beach.
Last week, I attended the Southend Business Partnership briefing, which was very informative especially for businesses who wanted to know how changes across the borough and county will affect them and their businesses.
This event included a business update of the Lower Thames Crossing. The briefing was also attended by Highways England informing attendees on major road projects. The Southend Business Partnership Briefing was also attended by Emma Cooney, Director of Regeneration and Business Development at Southend Borough Council.
It was good for local businesses to hear from the Council regarding future plans which will affect Southend business.