Better Southend Archive

City Beach Overview

City Beach, on the central seafront, was the first project to be undertaken as part of the massive £25 million investment package.

The plan was to encourage visitors to make more use of the town's famous seafront and stay longer. State-of-the-art digital lighting columns are a centrepiece of the project, helping to extend the day into the evening. Residents and visitors are also now able to enjoy a new landscaped area, complete with a refreshing fountain. There is also improved access to the beach, as well as new footpaths and cycle facilities.

This project has been complete for 2 years.

Pedestrian Crossing Enhancement

Following our agreement to implement the independent "Post Implementation Design Review" findings, the works to Marine Parade commenced on Monday 15th April 2013. These included:

• the introduction of a new informal crossing (opposite The Hope Hotel) and enhancements to the three existing informal crossings (opposite Electric Avenue/Chinnery's, Circus Circus and Happidrome). The crossings will incorporate areas of new flush, contrasting, herringbone style block paving patterns across the carriageway
• the removal of some of the black steel bollards at the Hartington Road junction to reduce the likelihood of people finding them an obstruction, together with the introduction of new tactile paving offering guidance to the edge of the area used by vehicles. Some bollards have, however, been retained to reduce the possibility of vehicle overrun

Whilst developing the proposals, the construction method, effect on residents, businesses, visitors and access to Marine Parade were considered to avoid as much as possible disruption during the day.

The commencement of construction was from 15th April 2013 for a period of three weeks. The work was carried out from Monday to Friday, with night time closures to traffic on Marine Parade between the hours of 7pm to 7.30am. There was no work at weekends. A "gateman" was also on duty at each end of Marine Parade during the hours of work, who allowed access to businesses by vehicles on Marine Parade. The works did not affect any businesses directly or access to them from the footway areas.

The works involved excavation of the carriageway, with a temporary reinstatement being put in place each day to ensure that the road can be reopened.

The main traffic diversion route was signed via the A13, London Road. Traffic heading east was diverted from Shorefield Road, with traffic heading west diverted from Southchurch Avenue. A local diversion was in place via Herbert Grove/Lucy Road, with Lucy Road made two-way for the duration of the works.

A local diversion route was signed via Chancellor Road/Herbert Grove.

The footway and pedestrian areas on Marine Parade were assessable to the public for the duration of the works with small localised areas cordoned off from the public during the closures.