SOUTHEND seafront is set to get a dramatic makeover with more than 100 palm trees, a new cycle track and changes to parking spaces.

The tree-planting, which aims to give the seafront a “riviera” feel, will mostly be around Western Esplanade. Some will be planted in Eastern Esplanade, where the £7million City Beach scheme starts in February. Tree planting will begin in the spring.

There will also be changes to the layout of parking bays in the central reservation at Western Esplanade, from a straight to a diagonal angle. The aim is to make the spaces more user-friendly for drivers and improve road safety, though no spaces will be lost.

When the cycle path is complete, it will be possible to cycle off-road from Chalkwell to East Beach in Shoebury. The pier to Shorefield Road will be developed first, before moving on to the Grosvenor Road area.

The track will run along the edge of the southern promenade, and trees will be planted alongside it.

Southend’s councillor responsible for transport and planning, Anna Waite, said: “This will make it safer for cyclists and for motorists, whether they are parking or driving along the route.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for families, and those who wish to ride for fun and exercise.

“This project is all part of the work we are undertaking in partnership with Cycling England to develop Southend as an outstanding cycling demonstration town.

“There will be no overall loss of parking as a result of these works.”

The palm trees will be added in small groups and will be planted where they do not block seafront views.

Mrs Waite said she could not give a cost for the Eastern Esplanade work because the details of the scheme’s design were still being finalised.

The work is being paid for by the council and Cycling England, which provided a £3.5million grant when Southend became an official cycling town.

Mrs Waite added: “City Beach will define a new standard for part of our seafront, and we now have an opportunity to improve and soften the appearance of the rest.”

Simon Patterson, chairman of the Southend Sea Front Traders’ Association, said he welcomed the spruce-up: “Anything to smarten up the seafront is great.

“The cycle track is in line with what they’re trying to do to create a greener environment to encourage people to cycle, so that’s a good thing.

“I can see the new parking bays working a lot better than they do now.

“The traffic will be eased, because people won’t have to reverse park any more, and it will make parking quicker.”

Work on City Beach, which should be completed by spring 2011, is being done by contractors Carrillion, which is also doing the Victoria Gateway scheme.