Southend seafront developments that could change its face

Here we take a look at them both:

1. Plush seafront flats:

A three-storey block of plus flats could be built in a prime spot-on Southend seafront opposite Sealife Adventure.

Plans - Plush seafront flats (Image: Southend Planning Portal)

Major proposals have been submitted to Southend Council to demolish a vacant business on Eastern Esplanade, next to Southend Ink and the Seafood Shack, and transform it into six new flats.

Proposed designs of the flats have been included in the plans which show modern homes on the first and second floor including balconies and a shop on the ground floor.

The building is currently vacant, and the plans state the development would create a “fresh and update look”.

All six flats would be two-bedroom homes, according to the plans.

They also include six off-street parking spaces.

The proposal retains a shop to the ground floor, which is currently vacant, and is believed to have been vacant for a number of years.

Details of the shop included in the plans are yet to be revealed.

2. Green oasis plans:

The future of Southend seafront could see it transformed into a flood-resistant green oasis thanks to a £2million project.

Plans - 'Green oasis' in Southend (Image: Southend Council)

Fresh images of the ambitious transformation were officially released earlier this month as a consultation was launched by Southend Council.

As well as making the city beach area of the seafront more attractive for residents and businesses, the project is designed to protect against surface water flooding following heavy rain.

The city beach section of Marine Parade often suffers from surface water flooding after heavy rain.

This scheme is set to be the first large-scale, sustainable water management initiative in Southend - aiming to create an integrated, climate-resilient environment.

The images show the proposed changes which includes with the creation of special gardens that collect, treat, store, and use rainwater.

The plan includes building places where extra water can be safely stored during big storms, to prevent flooding.

Special surface water flood warning beacons will also be installed that light up to warn that there is a risk of surface water flooding, so everyone can stay safe.

There is also a plan to run programmes to teach people about how they can use nature to handle water better and take care of the environment.