MILLIONS are set to be invested into the Cliffs Pavilion next year as it marks 60 years of hosting stars from the world of showbiz to entertain the community.

In total £8million is being given to refurbish the Station Road, Westcliff, venue, which will see an expansion of the restaurant, a new entrance and lobby, upgraded ventilation as well as a new outdoor piazza.

There will be improvement to the bars, toilets, and lifts.

The work, which will start in January, is being headed by Willmott Dixon after the council signed a deal with the firm as the construction partner.

Echo: Plan - ambitious £8million plans to transform Cliffs PavilionPlan - ambitious £8million plans to transform Cliffs Pavilion (Image: Provided)

The theatre, which will be playing host to many big names next year, including American soul icon Gladys Knight, will remain open throughout the works.

The enhancements commence during the year the Cliffs Pavilion celebrates its 60th birthday.

In 1935, the site was purchased and four-years-later, work began on the venue.

Ambitious plans for a big, spacious “winter garden” had been abandoned for a more modest art deco theatre, which seats 500 people.

Due to the breakout of the Second World War, builders were forced to suspend work after only constructing the foundations.

It lingered as Southend’s favourite white elephant until 1963.

Once again, plans were changed, and Southend Council’s architects’ department was tasked to create a building that could serve for shows, concerts and private functions, such as weddings.

On July 4, 1964, the Cliffs Pavilion was declared open by Sir Bernard Miles, a character actor, writer and director, who opened the Mermaid Theatre in London in 1959 after converting a derelict Thameside warehouse.

He cut the ribbon and the next day, comedian Norman Vaughn and his troupe of dancers called the Swinging Lovelies arrived to kick off the then town’s summer season.

Since then, the Cliffs Pavilion has been thriving and will continue to do so.