Hadleigh regeneration: suggestions to transform town centre

Castle Point Council is looking to appoint consultants to undertake a £41,200 study on what Hadleigh town centre could look like in 2040.

Simon Duke, owner of La Quinta Restaurant, says he hopes the town can be turned into a “nice and respectable area”.

He said: “The whole part in the middle around the one-way could be made an up and down road and everything from the McDonald’s to the fire station could be redeveloped.

“It can be turned into something like a precinct area like Leigh, with trendy bars and nice restaurants. You could also convert part of the fire station into a small community theatre.

“Any improvement at all that can come out of this will add value to the area which looks like an inner city dump at the moment.”

Historian - Marion Pearce would like to see the natural habitat preserved (Image: Newsquest)

Joe Rosen, a worker at The Castle pub and restaurant, also shared his views on the future of the town.

“Hopefully we can have some more greenery and a lot less empty buildings,” he said.

“I hope the the town can be rejuvenated and follow the example of Leigh with more local businesses and a lot more variety which we don’t have at the moment.

“Although this is a step in the right direction, I won’t be holding my breath because delivering it is another thing.”

Some businesses in the area remain sceptical of any developments after a history of failed regeneration attempts following the demolishing of the Crown pub in the town centre four years ago.

However, Hadleigh ward councillor Duncan Macpherson says he is confident the study will lead to a better future for the town.

He said: “The town needs to be revamped and I believe that the people here deserve a better environment and I’m sure that will be achieved.

“I would like us to be more modern and mirror the successes of places like Leigh with local shops and businesses.

“I also think it is absolutely crazy that the site of the old Crown Pub has just been left in that state and I am delighted that the current administration are looking to address that and improve the site.”

Tom Pender, student minister at Hadleigh Baptist Church, said he would like to see better green spaces.

He said: “I would like to see more open spaces and make it more welcoming.

“It would be nice to see wider offerings of businesses but more so local and small business rather than big ones. It would help raise the identity of the community and build the community spirit.

Regeneration - The Crown pub was demolished in 2020 (Image: File photo)

“I hope the study actually takes into account what people want and is not just done for the sake of it.

“Shops and a small market could encourage people to come and stay. Lot of open shops rather than closed ones because we want to actually see people out and about in the town centre.

“The town centre looks dated and like an afterthought. Places around it have improved but the town centre looks like it needs a bit of life. It should be a place that you are drawn to rather than a place that you just have to pass through.”

Marion Pearce, Southend historian, echoed Mr Pender’s thoughts. She said: “I would like to see a mixture, combining infrastructure development and preserving the natural habitat.

“Hadleigh is an ancient place with wonderful history. I’m hoping that this time things will work out. It should be an asset to our new city.

“I would like to see it preserved with space open to everyone. We do not have enough green spaces. This is near our important areas of natural countryside. It should be protected.

“It is essential that what we have left is preserved for the future.

“I would like to see more unique family businesses in the town centre that can’t afford to be on Southend High Street.”

The five-month study will look to commence on Tuesday, August 6 and requires consultants to submit recommendations on how changes to the town could be implemented.