WITH the new owners of the Royals Shopping Centre in Southend drawing up bright plans for the future, we delve into the Echo archives to look back its constructed.
New bosses Regis Group, owners of Thorpe Bay’s Roslin Beach Hotel, took over earlier this summer.
Estate agents Savills, which sold the site, has touted homes replacing the old Debenhams store.
Homeware and furniture chain Dunelm had previously looked at plans for the centre but bosses said these were shelved due to the sale of the site.
Construction of the centre began in November 1985. The opening of The Royals in 1988 proved to be a major event when Neighbours star Jason Donovan did the honours and declared it open.
The food court was opened by Lenny Henry, and the Littlewoods store was opened by TV personality Leslie Crowther in March 1988
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel