Southend Rising asked readers to vote on where future investment should be aimed to ensure that Southend’s rapid growth is sustainable and the borough’s infrastructure can cope.
More than 200 people voted, with almost a quarter saying that the priority should be investing in local employment opportunities.
Mandy Sullivan said: “The priority should be creating well paid local jobs for local people. If there were more good jobs in Southend, people wouldn't have to block the A127/A13 commuting to London.”
Mark Longman added: “Subsidise retail units in the high street to encourage investment and get those boarded up shops hustling and bustling again.”
Samantha Lee suggested: “Redevelop the archaic office sites along Victoria Avenue into 21st century office space - hopefully attract large corporates out of London. They would benefit from being close to an airport and London but with far cheaper rates. That would mean more investment and more jobs.”
Investing in Southend’s roads (including the A13 and A127) was the second biggest priority for people, with over 17% of the vote.
Nearly 15% of people said that greater investment was needed in local schools across the board to create a steady talent pool within Southend.
Investment in public transport and housing were seen as less of priority for readers, with less than 10% of the votes.