AN urban explorer has described his sadness at the changing face of Shoebury over the years as he snapped the progress of work at a new 210-home development.
Last month, Bellway Homes confirmed work has got underway to prepare the ‘flood-prone’ Barge Pier Road site ahead of plans for the new homes.
The controversial scheme aims to deliver ‘much-needed homes’ and involves bringing thousands of lorry loads of earth to raise the ground before building begins.
Fresh photos, taken by urban explorer Martin Halliday, already show huge piles of earth piling up at the site as the ground begins to be levelled.
Mr Halliday explores old and empty buildings, as well as historic sites in south Essex, for his YouTube channel DE-evolved.
He has expressed his sadness at the development of Shoebury over the years, a place where he grew up.
Mr Halliday said: “It is well known that I am very passionate about the history behind the Old Ranges, Gunners Park and the surrounding areas of that site.
“I have fond memories growing up with the freedom to roam the grounds freely, back in the late 1980s, 90s and early 2000s.
“Shoebury was once a quaint old military town and now it is starting to feel overcrowded which is distressing to everyone that grew up here.
“Locals are not happy about the latest developments and future construction work. I tend to agree with them.
“As a resident or ‘local’ myself it is very sad seeing what the site has come to and how little is left compared to how it once was.
“Gunners Park used to have great fairs and fetes and I having amazing memories of the firework displays.
“We have walked dogs there, had picnics, and watched the airshow – another thing missing from Southend these days.
“I have explored all the old buildings that once stood on those grounds.
“Somehow that pride has been lost over the years, and more and more of the land has been sold off.”
Despite fears over an increased flooding risk due to the location, Bellway has claimed the scheme will have ‘robust sustainable drainage’ designed to cope with a ‘one in 100-year flood event’.
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