More than £6 million was invested in Southend-on-Sea in the last financial year to promote regeneration, new jobs and expansion across the town, according to the Thames Gateway Annual Report for 2008/09.
It is seen as a major confidence boost for Southend which is reflected in the amount of Government grants received, showing that of the £8.7 million given under the Thames Gateway Fund Programme to South Essex last year, Southend was awarded the major share. These figures do not include additional monies allocated for future projects.