From the Echo: November 29th, 2013

A NEW “floating” restaurant offering views across the Thames Estuary could be built on Southend seafront.

A developer hopes to transform the dilapidated, single-storey KJ’s cafe just east of the Genting Club, in Western Esplanade, Westcliff, into a modern two-storey restaurant that projects out over the foreshore, giving the impression it is floating when the tide is in.

Diners would be able to sit sunning themselves on the dual-level upper deck and the ground-floor decking area at the back during the summer.

The existing kiosk building, which would be retained, and a side extension covered by the second level of the upper deck would offer shelter so it could stay open through the winter.

Paul Seager, the Southend architect behind the design, said: “The new split-level ground-floor deck will be cantilevered from the existing structure of the old kiosk and when the tide is in will appear to be floating. The upper deck, which would be for mainly summer periods, will allow spectacular views across the estuary without compromising or affecting foreshore views.”

Southend Council turned down plans for an “iconic” two-storey yellow coffee shop next to Adventure Island in July as it would block views of the estuary.

But the proposed new restaurant’s upper deck has no walls or roof and the side extension is glazed, so there would be little change in sea views.

Developer Emmanuel Popat recently snapped up the kiosk, after spotting its potential for redevelopment. The proposal follows the successful transformation of a derelict tram stop shelter, in Eastern Esplanade, into the upmarket, single-storey cafe Ocean Beach in 2006.

Mr Seager added: “The location is ideal for a modern, contemporary, and exciting new seafront restaurant or cafe.

“This side of the pier is gradually being regenerated and when asking to look at this project, our brief was to provide a facility which would make use of the fantastic estuary views with its sun deck and cantilevered lower split level restaurant cafe.”

From the Echo: September 27, 2013

COUNCIL bosses want a private company brought in to run Southend Marine Activities Centre.

The seafront site is making a loss, prompting Southend Council to consider expressions of interest from potential bidders.

They have been tasked with coming up with projects to invest in and expand the centre.

The council hopes creation of cafes and restaurants at the site in Eastern Esplanade could give it a new lease of life.

The complex provides schools and youth groups with water sports training, including canoeing, windsurfing, powerboat driving and jet skiing. It also boasts a training centre for the Royal Yachting Association.

The council remained tightlipped about how much cash is being lost by the centre, but confirmed it was in the red.

Derek Jarvis, Tory councillor for tourism, said: “There has been some interest in the centre from potential bidders, which is being assessed. It’s loss-making, so naturally the council wants to avoid further costs and believes private sector entrepreneurship can play a lead part in its future.”

The marketing brochure, created by agents Ayres & Cruiks, said: “Proposals are sought to enhance the current offer and an operator who brings a fresh commercial approach, ensuring an exciting and vibrant watersports provision going forward. Proposals that might include other additional, complementary uses to enhance the offer are welcomed.”

From Moneywise: November 19, 2013

PROPERTIES in Southend are selling two weeks quicker than properties in London as buyers flock to the seaside town.

In September it took 18 days on average to sell a property in Southend - two weeks less than it took to sell in London (32 days).

The average UK home is taking 11 days less to sell than this time last year, indicating consumer confidence has returned to the property market.

It currently takes 58 days to sell a property in the UK, down from 69 days in September 2012, according to research from the Post Office.

John Willcock, head of Post Office Mortgages, said: "2013 has been a real turning point in the UK housing market with annual house price growth currently 3.4%, the highest level it has been since November 2010.

"But house price data alone often hides a broader picture of recovery. This encouraging fall in the time it now takes to sell a property, especially in areas where house prices have long remained sluggish, shows that real confidence is returning to housing markets in many cities across the UK."

Average time to sell and house price

Southend on Sea, 18 days, £152,881
Liverpool, 18 days £ 92,917
Portsmouth, 28 days, £141,329
London, 32 days, £393,462
Plymouth, 34 days, £125,666
Sheffield, 34 days, £115,257
Bristol, 41 days, £173,913
Derby, 43 days, £104,109
Brighton and Hove, 53 days, £234,697
Newcastle, 57 days, £118,071
Birmingham, 66 days, £114,457
Greater Manchester, 68 days, £102,441
Cardiff, 70 days, £142,734
Nottingham, 71 days, £85,232
Norfolk, 78 days, £146,172
Leeds, 79 days, £120,825
Swansea, 89 days, £107,761
Stoke-on-Trent, 97 days, £69,367
Leicester, 109 days, £111,422
Hull, 112 days, £66,831

Source: Hometrack & Cebr

 SOUTHEND is gearing up for a host of events and activities to mark Global Entrepreneurship Week which runs from 18 -24 November.

The initiative is being co-ordinated by Southend on Sea Borough Council in partnership with a number of organisations dedicated to encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to take a step forward in their plans - whether starting a business, seizing a new opportunity or finding out more about careers in enterprise.

Councillor John Lamb, Deputy Leader of Southend on Sea Borough Council, is calling for more people to get involved. He says: "By helping people to help themselves, we're equipping the next generation of entrepreneurs to make a valuable contribution to the economy. I would encourage anyone with a business or business idea to participate in Global Entrepreneurship Week to take advantage of the support available and try to ensure their own success."

During 2012, almost 280,000 people attended similar events across the UK and this year the campaign aims to reach thousands more, through offering local, practical events to educate people about the support available to entrepreneurs in the borough.

For more information about the events and activities taking place in Southend, along with details on how to book, please visit www.businessonsea.co.uk. For details about Global Entrepreneurship Week or to find out how to get involved, visit www.gew.org.uk

From the Echo: November 8th, 2013

A DERELICT office block on a main route into Southend looks set to be transformed into an 84-bedroom hotel and penthouse flats.

Planning officers are set to recommended Southend Council approves plans to turn Victoria House, in Victoria Avenue, which has been empty for at least five years, into a new hotel during a meeting on Wednesday.

Developer Runwood Homes got the green light to change the former business premises into a supermarket, with 36 new apartments above it last November, but building has yet to start.

John Lamb, Southend deputy council leader, hopes this latest plan will kickstart development along the road.

Mr Lamb, a Conservative, said: “Hopefully the plans will be acceptable.

“They have got to be looked at and scrutinised, but this shows there is a will to start to invest into this area, especially Victoria Avenue, and that will have an impact, bringing new businesses into the town."

From the Echo: November 7th, 2013

BUILDERS have started transforming one Shoebury's oldest buildings into a Wetherspoon pub.

The JD Wetherspoon chain is working on the £1million plus revamp of the 250-year-old Parson’s Barn pub, in Frobisher Way.

Architects K.D Paine & Associates Ltd are behind the plans for the Grade II listed building, which will be given a mezzanine floor, a beer store and a beer garden to the side.

The new pub is scheduled to open on February 18, providing more than 40 jobs.

Wetherspoon chief executive John Hutson said: “We are looking forward to opening in Shoebury. We have enjoyed great success in the region and believe the new pub will enjoy the same success.”

A planning application was submitted to Southend Council in October, seeking permission for signs, a menu case and an amenity board, but this is yet to be given the seal of approval.

Shoebury councillor Roger Hadley said he was looking forward to the pub reopening.

He said: “I’m very pleased to see the work has started. The pub didn’t have a very good reputation in the past, so I’m very glad it’s a family-orientated company – it’s something the area needs. The extra competition it will provide with nearby pubs will help to keep prices low as well.”

Since closing in November 2012, the pub has been the victim of repeated vandalism.

Shoebury Society secretary Brian Sandford was concerned the pub would have been badly damaged if it had remained unused.

He hailed the Wetherspoon scheme as “great news.’’ He said: “The sooner something is done the better.

“We were worried that if it had been left, something might happen to it to damage it beyond repair.

“We’re more than pleased work has begun.”

The Wetherspoon chain runs 880 pubs nationwide, including the Last Post, in Southend, and the Elms, in Leigh.

From the Echo: November 5th, 2013

PLANS to build more than 170 homes and factories on a park in Shoebury are expected to be submitted next year.

Garrison Developments wants to build between 170 and 185 two-storey family homes and a business park on Gunners Park, despite the fact it is considered a flood risk area.

The Chelmsford-based firm, which is redeveloping the Officers’ Mess, in Mess Road, Shoebury, hopes to submit an outline of its plans to Southend Council by the end of next year in a bid to gauge the authority’s attitude to the development.