PARKING in Southend should become a little easier as of next Friday as a new car park is set to open.

The new surface car park replaces the Essex Street multi-storey which was demolished alongside Queensway House.

The building was home to various council and health services, however due to its small rooms and corridors it was deemed not fit for purpose for the delivery of modern services.

Many people had negative associations with the building and its surrounding area, which had attracted anti-social behaviour.

The clear land now opens up space for a car park and the possibility of a longer term development opportunity.

Ron Woodley, leader of Southend Council, said: “I am delighted that this new public car park will be open well in time for the Christmas shopping season.

“It is a good use of the land and I am pleased to see it being used to provide more car parking for our residents, businesses and visitors.

“This area will be used as a car park until any future plans for the regeneration of the Queensway area are carried out.”

Standard town centre pay and display rates will apply and access will be from Essex Street.