Southend City Centre Strategy and Investment Plan receives cabinet approval

This strategy, informed by a period of in-depth research and engagement, sets out a clear vision and series of actions to guide the development and direction of the city centre for years to come. It has received cabinet approval and will be adopted to guide the future regeneration of Southend-on-Sea city centre.

The strategy is grounded in the Southend 2050 ambition for the future and emphasises the role of arts, culture and the creative industries in the renewal and transformation of city centres. It is therefore positioned to maximise partnership and investment opportunities at a sub-regional level via the Thames Estuary Production Corridor and at a national level, aligned with the investment principles of Arts Council England’s Let’s Create Strategy.

Southend’s independent Estuary spirit will be the key to paving a path forward for a bright future for the city centre. In looking towards the future, this document will help Southend direct its creative energy towards shaping a city centre that promotes health and well-being, and that is supportive and inspiring for young people and families. The golden thread which will underpin the future development of the city centre is a commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.

What if Southend’s independent spirit was used to shape a different kind of city?

This work is underpinned by a thorough review of existing planning documents, and research into the socio-economic conditions of the city centre. It is also informed by extensive engagement with stakeholders, youth groups, the creative and cultural sector, community groups, and the business and development sector as well as the wider public. The engagement process was designed to offer multiple opportunities for concerned parties to voice their priorities as different stages of the plan’s development. This ensures the development of a vision that all the people of Southend can feel confident in.

The Strategy and Investment Plan was commissioned by Southend City Council with the aim of developing a shared vision for the future of the city centre, which can guide public and private investment and facilitate community partnerships. The specialist consultant team was led by We Made That and included PRD, Steer, Tom Fleming Creative Consultancy and Stockdale.

The investment plan identifies actions for the next 5 to 10 years, which lays the groundwork for Southend to become an attractive place for private investment, and a great candidate for future government funding. The investment plan also identifies existing community partnerships to build on, and potential new community partnerships.

The Strategy and Investment Plan identifies five geographic clusters within the city centre, and corresponding “anchor projects” for each of these areas.

1. Victoria Station gateway area aspires to be a welcoming place for all. The anchor projects for this zone are the Victoria Centre, and a liveable city centre. The Victoria Centre, a council-owned shopping mall, will become a civic, community and health hub. The liveable city centre is a plan to make transportation within the city centre more active and sustainable.

2. The Forum and Central Station area aspires to develop its culture of education and learning and provide better business opportunities for young people. The anchor project that will help achieve this aspiration is a creative business hub, a facility that can provide the space and resources for young businesses to grow.

4. The Royals and seafront area aspires to become the focal point for a city centre with a great work-life balance. The anchor projects for this area are the Royals shopping centre, and a shared vision for the seafront. The Royals can help achieve this aspiration by providing new housing, leisure and workspace for the city centre. Developing a shared vision for the seafront will enable key sites within this area to work together coherently.

5. The area around the Kursaal could help Southend’s city centre to become the most family-friendly city centre in the country. The anchor project for this area is the Kursaal, a well-loved historical building that could become a centre of creativity and learning for people of all ages.