Port revamp and seafront 'oasis' work moves nearer

A £2m project to tackle seafront flooding is set to get under way, while a £14.8m regeneration of a port has moved a step closer.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has submitted a planning application to renovate Leigh Port which, if approved, would bring improvements to part of Leigh's historic Old Town.

The separate £2m scheme on Southend's Marine Parade will see the creation of a "green oasis" featuring a large green space with a small stream, canopies and a series of rain gardens with hydro-rocks to absorb water and prevent flooding.

Both schemes have been funded by the government's Levelling up Fund, Southend Council, Anglian Water and the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.

The Leigh plans would see a new quay wall installed, the resurfacing of the quay and a small craft club demolished.

Labour's Lydia Hyde, cabinet member for climate, environment and waste, said: "We're continuing to work with key partners to make sure the project protects our environment and is delivered in a cost-effective way."

The scheme would see a new surface and trade waste drainage system and the dredging of Leigh Port's channel from Belton Way downstream along Lower Leigh Creek.

Previously, the plans were delayed while work was carried out to ensure there would be no significant environmental impacts.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the scheme would enlarge the berth area of the port and make it safer, reduce the flood risk, improve water quality and reduce congestion in the High Street.

Ms Hyde said the Marine Parade scheme would be delivered in phases and the first would start "imminently".

"This will focus on the junction at Hartington Road and Seaway, where we'll be realigning kerb lines to create a rain garden that collects and stores surface water runoff," she said.

"Phase two - the north side of Marine Parade - and phase three - the south side of Marine Parade - will follow, and we'll continue to share updates as the project progresses.

"We'll be working closely with stakeholders to minimise disruption and make sure the programme doesn't impact the summer season."

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