Cliffs Pavilion set for multi-million refurbishment

Senior councillors will meet tomorrow to consider a raft of applications for Government cash, including a huge investment plan for the Cliffs, which was built in the 1960s.

Southend Council’s cabinet will be told “significant investment” is needed to “enhance the visitor experience for this 1960s building” in a drive to attract more overnight visitors spending cash in Southend.

The ambitious plan forms part of a targeted series of bids for cash from the Government’s Levelling Up fund, which could eventually see millions invested in the town post Covid-19.

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If the plans get the green light, funding for the Cliffs would be “used to improve the visitor experience by investing in hospitality, guest areas and building refurbishments”, with the building largely untouched for years.

It is hoped the funding would help encourage visitors to the town and boost their experience, with it hoped the theatre can become “more of a venue”.

Lib Dem Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment, culture, tourism and planning, said: “As described, it’s to bring it forward and make the Cliffs seen as more of a venue. Also we want to make it a place to go for a nice meal where you have a nice view.”

Ms Mulroney said the council wanted to make more of the stunning views over the Thames Estuary, adding: “It’s got to be kept up as a theatre, but we also want it to be somewhere people go as a destination.

“It’s in such a wonderful location, creating a better visitor experience.”

She added: “It’s about enjoying the whole thing. It’s a relatively old building so it does need some refurbishing.

If funding is approved, plans for the Cliffs will go to consultation.

As part of the £20m bid, work is also proposed in Leigh Old Town to boost the fishing industry, making it a safer place to work and visit. Safety initiatives are also planned.

SOUTHEND’S flagship Cliffs Pavilion could be set for a £20million facelift with new restaurants and hospitality SOUTHEND’S flagship Cliffs Pavilion could be set for a £20million cash injection as part of an ambitious rejuvenation programme with new restaurants in an e SOUTHEND’S flagship Cliffs Pavilion could be boosted by a £20million cash injection for a ambitious refurbishment programme including new restaurants to make it “more of a destination”.

If funding is approved, up to £20million could be spent at the Cliffs Pavilion, with cabinet members set to meet tomorrow.

It comes as Southend could benefit from £55million of the Government’s levelling up funding which is designed to help support growth and regeneration in town’s across the UK post Covid-19.

If the plans get the green light, funding for the Cliffs would be “used to improve the visitor experience by investing in hospitality, guest areas and building refurbishments”, with the building largely untouched for a number of years.

It’s hoped the funding would help encourage visitors to the town centre and boost their experience, with it hoped the theatre can become “more of a venue”.

Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment, culture, tourism and planning, said: “As described, it’s to bring it forward and make the Cliffs seen as more of a venue.

“Also we want to make it a place to go for a nice meal where you have a nice view.

“It’s about enjoying the whole thing.

“It’s a relatively old building so it does need some refurbishing.

“It’s got to be kept up as a theatre but we also want it to be somewhere people go as a destination.

“It’s in such a wonderful location, creating a better visitor experience.”

If funding is approved, plans for the Cliffs will go to public consultation.

As part of the £20million funding, work would also be carried out on Leigh Port to construct a new quay wall frontage, improvements to site access and resurfacing of the wharf to make the port a safer place to work and visit.