Southend could be transformed into a bustling European seaside resort if £10 million of Euro cash is secured, it has been revealed.
An ambitious project has been unveiled by Southend Council with radical projects like a pier cybercafe, hovercraft terminal and a new-look High Street.
The town could be developed into a "tourism experience" and given a continental feel with "cultural quarters", according to an 18-page document which the council submitted to the Government when it applied for Objective Two funding.
It is hoped more than £5 million of Objective Two cash - funds given out by Europe to areas deemed in need of economic regeneration - can be won for the town which would be matched by £5 million from other sources.
Five of Southend's 13 wards are eligible for the funding - St Luke's, Milton, Victoria, Thorpe and Shoebury.
A package of radical building projects and new features have already been drawn up by the council under the umbrella of SSHAPE - Southend Seafront, High Street And Pier Enhancement.
Some of the proposals include:
Water features or sculptures in public areas
A platform for performing arts
High-tech video screen information points
High Street kiosks to create a thriving European street setting
A heritage trail from St Mary's Church, Prittlewell, to the Pier
l Extended cycle paths.
Massive town centre refurbishment would also take place including new paving, seats, dustbins and lamp posts, and improvement to town centre buildings.
In a letter to Euro-officials, council leader Charles Latham referred to the town's "struggle to achieve recognition for the problems faced by its town centre wards".
He wrote: "This represents a major opportunity for the council and its partners to work together towards a sustainable, long-term economic solution."
An announcement as to whether the bid was successful could be made within one month.
By Chris Weeks
Reporter's e-mail: chris.weeks@notes.newsquest.co.uk
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