Latest news with #CastlePointCouncil
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Photos show how £2 million refurb could transform south Essex shopping centre
NEW photos and CGIs show how a much-anticipated £2 million refurbishment of an ageing Canvey shopping centre could entirely transform its look and feel. The modernisation of the Knightswick Shopping Centre was given the go-ahead last week thanks to an additional £800,000 investment from Castle Point Council. Modern - The refurbishment would transform the look of the shopping centre (Image: Ingleton Wood) Scheduled to begin in February 2026, planned improvements include upgraded lighting, flooring, ceilings, and infrastructure, with the goal of creating 'a brighter, safer, and more inviting space'. We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. The approval of an additional investment of £816,700 increases the overall budget for the centre's refurbishment to more than £2 million. Now - The entrances to the centre are unloved and outdated (Image: Ingleton Wood) Plans - The entrances would be upgraded to be more welcoming and modern (Image: Ingleton Wood) When the council purchased the Foksville Road property in 2019, the refurbishment was announced as a key part of efforts to regenerate Canvey's town centre but has been hit by delays since then. Read more Passengers frustrated after Southend flights re-scheduled to different airports Autistic teen left in boiling Southend school minibus for hours outside driver's home 'It is pitiful' - Jeff Stelling slams ticket allocation for play-off final at Wembley In addition to improvements to lighting and infrastructure, the modernisation will also introduce accessible entrance doors, Wi-Fi, and digital screens to the centre. Previous plans for a £1.5 million refurbishment of the centre were first unveiled when the council purchased the building in 2019, but the Covid pandemic delayed the project. Now - The main arcade has seen little change since first being built (Image: Ingleton Wood) Plans - Retail booths could line the arcade (Image: Ingleton Wood) Two years ago, the council resolved to allocate additional funds for internal refurbishment of the centre – an investment that has now been released. The Knightswick Shopping Centre was built as part of plans to regenerate Canvey in the late 1970s and houses 28 retail units.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
‘Old and ugly' shopping centre loved in the 80s set to get major £2million revamp
Read on to find what changes will be made to the mall NEW SLATE 'Old and ugly' shopping centre loved in the 80s set to get major £2million revamp Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A DETERIORATING shopping centre which was once popular in the 80s will finally get a major revamp. A local council is expected to splurge £2million to revive the mall to its former glory. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A shopping centre that opened in 1979 has been called 'old and ugly' by locals Credit: Castle Point Council/Ingleton Wood 2 It is set to receive £2million worth refurbishment Credit: Castle Point Council/Ingleton Wood The Knightswick Shopping Centre on Canvey Island was built in 1978, and has since lost its charm. Castle Point Council bought the mall in October 2019 and has now made plans to spend £2,154,600 to refurbish the place. During a cabinet meeting on June 18, Tom Gibson, People's Independent Party councillor for special projects and assets, said: 'This is, of course, a good news story, and the investment in and revitalisation of a valued and economically important commercial asset should be welcomed. "To conclude, this is a fantastic opportunity to breathe new life into a highly valued commercial asset and the heart of our community.' The shopping centre boasts 28 ground-floor shop units inside and around the mall. The original plans, which were approved, called for new lighting, pilasters, ceiling treatments, and floor finishes. The council will also be replacing high-level windows, mall fixtures, fittings and furniture, as well as branding, signage and installing CCTV. The centre's three entry doors will all be completely replaced too. The planning permission for the revamp was granted in December 2023 but the works won't start until February next year. Residents can expect to see an improved mall by June 2026. Fly-through video shows what major Scots city will look like after huge £20m revamp David Blackwell, Canvey Independent leader of the council, said: 'It's been a long journey on this, so it will be good now we can see the works going. "I think really, looking at some of the photos from the architects I think the Knightswick Centre will look absolutely superb when the works are finished next year, so we all look forward to that.' Locals have long been calling for the refurbishment, saying the mall was "very rundown" and "old, ugly and boring". Some people only used it as a shortcut path to the nearest Sainbury's. It comes after a shabby shopping centre in an industrial UK town is set to receive a multi-million-pound revamp. Property developers purchased the town's central shopping centre from former owners late last year, with major plans to transform it.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Campaigners stepping up fight for action to protect beloved south Essex Lake
CAMPAIGNERS concerned about the future of the beloved Canvey Lake have met with a Castle Point MP and called for more to be done to ensure its long-term health. The meeting comes as the Friends of Canvey Lake group relaunch their 'save Canvey Lake' poster campaign in an effort to raise awareness about what they see as the neglect and mismanagement of the treasured community asset. Castle Point Council has said it remains committed to protecting the lake and that there is potential for investment if residents desire it. We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. Alan Tibbit is the chairman of Save Canvey Lake and was one of those to meet with Castle Point's Conservative MP Dame Rebecca Harris earlier this week. 'It is refreshing to see that our MP agrees with us about dredging the lake and our aim is for a complete reset to 2010 levels,' he said – the group would like to see the condition of the lake restored to the quality it was at 15 years ago. Campaign - Members of Friends of Canvey Lake met with Dame Rebecca earlier this week (Image: Martin England) 'This is now a risk to public health with botulism and algae, and with the recent hot weather, and shallow depths of water, the botulism and algae will only get worse over the coming months. 'Canvey Lake should be for Canvey people, and our councillors need to do something about the issues or let those that care about it take over the running of the lake.' Determined - The campaigners have launched new posters as part of their mission (Image: Martin England) The residents' concerns around Canvey Lake stretch back years and have seen numerous campaigns launched to address its 'mismanagement'. As part of their latest project, the group has distributed posters to businesses across the island in the hopes of raising awareness of the issues facing the lake. After meeting the residents, Dame Rebecca said she understands the council to be working on the issue but believes it still needs dredging. Beloved - Canvey Lake is a point of pride for residents (Image: Google Maps) Ian Butt, director of place and communities at Castle Point Council said: 'Canvey Lake is an important community asset managed by Canvey Island Town Council. 'The Borough Council will continue to work with the Town Council, residents and other stakeholders regarding the ongoing management and maintenance of the lake. "Canvey Island has received a £20 million investment through the Government's Long-Term Plan for Towns Programme. If the community and residents choose to prioritise it, part of this funding could be allocated to improvements to the lake."
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
In pictures: New £1.5million south Essex seafront pavilion taking shape
WORK is progressing well on a new beach pavilion at Canvey's Thorney Bay ahead of a scheduled spring opening. The seafront pavilion and café was initially set to be completed this month, but images show steady progress on the major addition to Canvey's seafront. Bold - The pavilion will offer new facilities to beach users on Canvey (Image: Richard Windell) Designed to house a new café the £1.5 million Thorney Bay pavilion is also set to feature public toilets, a foot wash for beach users, and a car park extension. We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. A spokesperson for Castle Point Council has previously said that while they cannot disclose details on the future operator of the café, they have seen 'a good level of interest'. Progress - The building is clad in wood with large sea-facing windows (Image: Richard Windell) The new pavilion and its associated facilities were funded through a grant from the national government's Coastal Communities Fund. This project is part of the wider regeneration plans for Canvey seafront and, alongside improvements to the sea defences, should offer an impressive visitor experience for both residents and tourists. Impressive - The pavilion incorporates a modern and eye-catching design (Image: Richard Windell) The construction project has been hit by a number of delays and false-starts since it was first announced in 2016 but finally got underway in March of last year. Photos of the pavilion show a wood-clad structure with large sea-facing windows and plenty of outdoor space. Works - The major new addition to the seafront will surely be welcomed by residents (Image: Richard Windell) The project is being led by top Colchester-based property and construction consultancy Ingleton Wood who is providing full planning, design, project management, and contract administration.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New £1.5m south Essex seafront pavilion set to open as hunt for cafe firm continues
AN Essex council is spending £1.5million on a seafront pavilion but bosses do not have 'a suitable tenant' or opening date, despite external works progressing. Construction for the new pavilion just off Thorney Bay Beach on Canvey is expected to be completed in May, but the council is still looking for a cafe operator, with signs at the site about the vacancy. The new business is already delayed, as last September Canvey Independent, council leader Dave Blackwell, said it was due to open to the public in the spring, with construction works set to finish by January. The council says it does not have any exact date yet for opening. Barry Palmer, Canvey Independent councillor for economic growth and climate action said: 'Construction works are expected to be completed in May. This development is an important investment for the area, providing much-needed public facilities, including toilets, for those visiting Thorney Bay and the surrounding seafront. 'It will improve local amenities and create a more accessible and enjoyable environment for residents and visitors alike. Subject to a suitable tenant, it is expected to house a café, further enhancing the seafront experience and supporting local business. We look forward to unveiling the Pavilion in the coming months and will continue to share updates as progress continues.' Plans to regenerate the seafront have been on the table for at least six years. In 2019 plans included a new pavilion with a viewing area, a new retail kiosk, increased car parking and an improved walkway to connect Thorney Bay with Canvey's central seafront. Castle Point Council has been awarded the money from the government's Coastal Communities Fund which meets the majority of the project's £1.72 million price tag. The seafront is also benefiting from investment with Fantasy Island funfair expanding and almost £10million being spent on improved sea defences.
