Town Centre improvements taking shape

March 3, 2021

Plans to improve the town-centre end of London Road and Victoria Circus have taken another step forward as the majority of the London Road work has now been completed as part of the project to improve the town centre.

The work, which was approved by Full Council in June 2020, began in August 2020 and has been carried out by the council’s term contractor, Eurovia Infrastructure Limited.

Work to date on London Road has seen the majority of the paving work completed, ‘green roof’ cycle storage facilities installed, and efficient sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) put in place. Remaining work on this section include a new paved area and benches, new trees, bespoke lighting and entrance feature and an improved bollard system.

The next phase, which began Monday 25 January, has seen the paving works on Victoria Circus begin, which is proposed to continue for the next six to eight weeks. Further key improvements include:

• Improved street lighting
• Gateway feature into Victoria Circus from Victoria Station
• New block paving and bespoke feature stones
• Landscaping improvements
• New trees, greenery and planters

Cllr Ron Woodley, cabinet member for transport, capital and inward investment, said: “Victoria Circus and London Road are a main gateway into the High Street, and through a series of detailed consultation events, we have been able to progress this important work over the last seven months.

“There have of course been some disruptions along the way due to the pandemic, but the team are working incredibly hard and I am delighted with the progress so far. Once the paving work has been completed, we will begin to see the planters, lighting and trees in place for visitors to enjoy, once we’re able to safely reopen the High Street to non-essential shops too.”

Cllr Kevin Robinson, cabinet member for business, culture and tourism, welcomed the investment: “High streets up and down the country have faced challenges over the last 12 months that they would have never anticipated. Southend High Street is not alone in the challenges put before it, but we are dedicated to creating a welcoming entrance via one of the town centre’s main gateways.

“This continued investment, alongside the council’s recent purchase of the Victoria shopping centre, means we are in a much stronger position to enhance the High Street, and I am confident that once completed, these works will be a welcomed addition to our town centre.

“While these works will not solve all of the challenges facing the town centre, alongside the recent purchase of the Victoria shopping centre which has demonstrated our commitment to the future of the High Street, they are a very substantial and welcome boost, and hopefully provide a catalyst for further growth and investment.”