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 Why Southend Rising supports the Marine Plaza and Seaway developments.

11/12/2014

13 Comments

 
Southend is rising and Southend is changing.

The Seaway plans and Marine Plaza development represent a combined investment of more than £100 million in Southend, and will create hundreds of new jobs.

Coupled with the ongoing growth of Southend Airport and plans for an Airport Business Park, there is a real sense that Southend is now a major growth area and a magnet for investment.

Southend Rising was set up to promote Southend, attract investment and support local business, so we are thrilled to see such ambitious plans on the table. We welcome the new jobs, homes and commercial opportunities, and we applaud those who are committed to such significant investment in Southend. Are they out to make a profit? Of course they are – they’re businesses not Samaritans.

Some people don’t like this change and greet each new announcement with negativity and criticism. Southend Rising agrees that the Kursaal and the pier are fundamental parts of the town which must be fiercely protected, but we won’t lament the loss of the Foresters Arms.

Day-trippers and “kiss-me-quick” kiosks will continue to be an important part of Southend’s identity and economy, but now we can attract people who want to stay in a nice hotel for a few days and have a choice of restaurants and entertainment options.

This boosts the night-time economy, improves safety and turns the seafront into a place that people can enjoy around-the-clock throughout the year. Existing seafront traders have already welcomed the Marine Plaza and Seaway announcements.

Valid design concerns about the new developments should be addressed through the planning process, as should questions about traffic congestion. Southend’s roads do need more investment – especially the A127 – but the Government is much more likely to grant funds to a progressive town creating jobs and housing, rather than one stuck in a 1950s time-warp.

With a better reputation comes more investment, more growth and more jobs. People will be able to find well-paid, skilled work on their doorstep, instead of jamming the roads as they commute out of town every day.

The face of Southend is changing for the better, and we think that’s a good thing.

13 Comments
Saz
13/12/2014 10:20:11 pm

Late night attractions? Do you mean casinos? So you want to turn our town from a growing Cultral hub into a second rate Las Vegas? The proposed building on marine parade serves only those in the development industry and does not guarantee long term jobs. As far as an airport expansion goes the airport barely registers an increase in trade to the town. Billed as London Southend airport, passengers are not given any opportunity to see what southend has to offer, because there are no billboards advertising the town within the airport. They are just passing through. It is thinly veiled more of the same building as Victoria avenue. I would be happy to see a thoughtfully sensitively designed building right next to the beautiful Kursaal, which is our Cultral heritage and which should be preserved for future generations. And if this is how did you put it? Negativity and criticism then I'm sorry but the people if this town don't want your ugly monstrosity.

Reply
elke
3/6/2015 07:43:43 am

Well said Saz, I agree with YOU!

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Tom
16/12/2014 01:51:36 am

As someone who is studying town planning, these developments are of significant interest to me. We are constantly reminded about the importance of competition between towns and cities and these developments (if successful) will be a huge boost to Southend's economy. Although I'm not sold on the architecture of either project, the layout and concepts are spot on. The success depends on what restaurants they can attract.

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Gillian
3/6/2015 08:28:17 am

Spot on re the restaurants. When Pret, Jamies or Carluccios comes to town, I will really believe that "Southend's Rising"

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Nick
28/4/2015 07:46:36 pm

Southend is a town thst needs private investment, investment not from the public purse not from the tax payer but from private companies thd two proposals (Seaway and Matine Plaza) along with the Esplanade proposals and the huge amounts being spent on thd airport are all things Southend needs to grab hold of and hold on tight too, if you put to many obstacles in the way of such investments you will put future prospective investors off, and loose out on important job creation.

By encouraging private investment you are creating a secure foundation for future years, who knows by embracing private investors they might help fund public attractions such as the pier or proposed Cliffs Museum both vitality important for the future of Southend.

Reply
Southend Rising link
28/4/2015 07:54:03 pm

Well said Nick, we completely agree.

Reply
Elke
3/6/2015 05:43:19 am

well of course you agree. You are non partisan.

elke
3/6/2015 07:36:27 am

My earlier comment doesn't make sense.long day!not anti development just fed up with some of the ugly, over large buildings we have to live alongside.

Lynda
2/6/2015 03:27:45 am

I have always been behind development for Southend. However I do wish that the 14 storeys planned were not so high. I live in Pleasant Road and I do not believe that they have thought about the impact for us. Turning Pleasant Road into a two-way street is ridiculous, it is too small. I would have preferred a good hotel (may be about 4 storeys high and perhaps wider with good shops and restaurants attached. I do hope they have sorted the flooding problem out. I am not totally against this current plan but how I wish they did not have to build so high.

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Elke
3/6/2015 05:59:30 am

Reply
Marc
3/6/2015 08:41:01 am

The height of the buildings may be considered too tall by some, but it's this height that provides the developers with the financial incentive to invest in the town. The return on a four storey hotel just wouldn't provide the profit margins they need to achieve. I'm entirely behind the plans and future investment in the borough. I hope the quality and finish of the buildings does the seafront justice; but more than this, hope the tenants befit our high expectations for the town's future.

Reply
elke
3/6/2015 04:41:24 pm

There needs to be a compromise between profit and aesthetics. Profit seems to be winning. Great for the developers.

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Dan
3/6/2015 11:20:22 pm

I think possibly the style of the buildings is a bit unambitious - a bit more colour or whitewashing effect would be better than the grey appearance they seem to have... or how about a take on art deco?

I don't think there's anything wrong with high rise here though - don't forget Southend seafront has had a number of high tower blocks on the seafront since the 60s/70s, and those are on top of the cliffs so stand out even more. This is on lower ground so probably won't be that noticeable.

And even then, Brighton, Liverpool or Miami have plenty of high rise buildings on the waterfront and look pretty decent... why can't Southend?

Reply



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