The Saxon King archaeological finds in Prittlewell during 2004 put Southend very much on the international heritage map. Building on this momentum, there now exists the opportunity for a new cultural facility based around the Saxon King, but also incorporating existing historical artefact collections, space for touring exhibitions, and possibly a permanent home for the Beecroft Art Gallery, as well as administration and storage facilities. A new Heritage Centre of this kind would be a major regional attraction.
We are working alongside Southend Borough Council to consider, in the context of the Central Area Masterplan, the location options for the proposed new Heritage Centre in Central Southend. This work also includes an investigation of the funding opportunities to deliver this exciting cultural project.