Have your say on High Street pop up parks

September 21, 2023

Southend-on-Sea City Council is to launch a public consultation for a range of proposed High Street pop up parks.

The pop up parks will provide small pockets of greenery on the High Street bringing colour and life to underutilised areas and key access points to the High Street. The aim is to enrich the visitor experience, help drive economic growth, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to community wellbeing.

The proposed locations of the five pop up parks are:

High Street north approach: a key pedestrian route from Southend Victoria Train Station and a gateway entrance to the High Street

Southchurch Road: will link to the future Better Queensway scheme

Queens Road: west side of the High Street connecting through to The Forum and local businesses on Queens Road

South of the railway bridge: extensively paved and would benefit from increased greening and currently lacks interest and activities

Southern end of High Street: long narrow areas of paving which have the opportunity to be enhanced and increase greening

Cllr Meg Davidson, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, said: “These exciting proposals are designed to continue the rejuvenation of our High Street and provide a range of offerings including more seating, attractive plants and flowers, increased City Centre biodiversity, extra lighting at night, and play areas for children to enjoy. People of all ages would benefit from the pop up parks.

“The proposed plans also include sponsorship opportunities for local businesses to help raise their profile and get exposure to extensive High Street footfall. Businesses would also be giving back to the community by helping to support the maintenance and watering of the pop up parks to ensure they are looked after all year round.

“I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and have their say on the proposed plans because it’s our residents, and of course visitors, who will benefit from these pop up parks.”

The public consultation launches on 21 September for eight weeks and anyone can take part by visiting The Victoria Shopping Centre to view the plans in person and by completing an online survey on the Your Say Southend website.