WHO remembers the Royals being built in Southend in the 1980s? It was a huge project which changed the face of Southend.

Construction of the centre began in November 1985.

Echo: By the dome it’s known - Construction workBy the dome it’s known - Construction work (Image: Newsquest)

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.

Echo: Loved and lost - A building demolished for the RoyalsLoved and lost - A building demolished for the Royals (Image: Newsquest)

These pictures from our archive show the Royals being built and some of the buildings it replaced.

It is fascinating to see the old BHS (now Primark) in the background of the pictures showing the construction work.

Echo: How it used to be - With the old BHS in the backgroundHow it used to be - With the old BHS in the background (Image: Newsquest)

Pictures also show how the dome took shape and the some of the internal images of the landmark shopping centre.

When complete, the centre boasted Debenham’s, Littlewoods and Boots and a huge food hall section section at the bottom offering many different foods ranging from burgers to curry.

Echo: Going up - The Royals goes up between the Palace Hotel and the Royal HotelGoing up - The Royals goes up between the Palace Hotel and the Royal Hotel (Image: Newsquest)

Scroll down to see more photos from our archives

Echo: Landmark - Work under way on the RoyalsLandmark - Work under way on the Royals (Image: Newsquest)Echo: Taking shape - Inside the RoyalsTaking shape - Inside the Royals (Image: Newsquest)