WORK to transform Southend city centre into a green oasis full of open space and plants has officially got under way.

Southend’s High Street is set to be overhauled with a series of “parklets and planters” this summer.

The scheme follows a consultation and a series of councillor workshops aimed at improving the High Street environment by providing shady green spaces for people to enjoy.

Ian Gilbert, councillor responsible for economic development, regeneration and housing, said: “We know from the consultation last summer that people and business want to see more green space in the High Street and we agree.

“Doing this would improve biodiversity, provide shading, improve air quality, provide more sustainable drainage systems, and just as importantly enhance the visual appearance of the high street and encourage more people to visit and spend time here.”

Mr Gilbert said the scheme included providing green spaces on existing infrastructure such as green roofs or building new structures.

Mr Gilbert added: “We want to introduce parklets and little green spaces, some of which will also include seating and potentially bicycle parking and will build on the regeneration work in London Road which has already led to new investment and an improved feel and more greenery at that entrance to the city centre.

“These proposals would add to that more pleasant feel and along with the successes at The Victoria Centre, will continue an upward curve for the High Street’s prospects.”

Echo: Green city - example of how Southend could lookGreen city - example of how Southend could look (Image: Southend Council)

Jon Fuller from the South Essex Friends of the Earth, said: “I welcome plans to increase greenery in the city, because we need far more trees to provide shade to help protect people from extreme heatwaves. But, if we are to play our part in tackling climate change, we also need to protect the trees we’ve already got.”

Five locations have been identified where more green space could be introduced, including the north approach to the High Street, behind the Odeon and New Look, Southchurch Road, the intersection of High Street and Queens Road, the area of the High Street by the railways bridge and the southern end of the High Street leading to the seafront.

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The areas will be designed to avoid disruption, digging up large areas of the High Street or the relocation of services.

It is unclear how much the scheme will cost but community infrastructure levy funding will be used to deliver the project.

There could also be opportunities for businesses to sponsor the parklets and this detail will come out after funding has been secured and as the design and construction work moves ahead