The project is as much about re-branding, recognising and celebrating the unique natural asset that Southend has in its seven miles of seafront. The coastal border along the south of the Borough needs to be read as a single entity that is distinctively Southend’s, while recognising the particular characteristics of the varied habitats and landscapes, as well as the individual characters of the nearby historic settlements from Leigh to Shoeburyness.
Key actions will include investigations in how to reduce the severance between the settlements, softening the impact of the highways and seafront parking and the delivery of a coherent programme of hard and soft landscaping to unify the seven miles of seafront. Much of this work will be linked to the Central Area Masterplan, and in particular to the public realm design proposals for locations such as Marine Parade and Eastern Esplanade.