A FRESH vision for the future of the Royals in Southend has been revealed with a vibrant mix of shopping and entertainment.

Last year, the shopping centre was taken over by the company behind the Roslin Beach Hotel - the Regis Group. 

According to Southend Tourism Partnership board papers, a new manager has taken over and is looking to include more “entertainment outlets”. 

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It comes after a climbing wall was added to the Victoria Shopping Centre and a rumoured Boom Battle Bar could open to diversify the offering on the high street. 

Paul Collins, Lib Dem councillor responsible for asset management and inward investment, said: “It is absolutely good for the city centre to give alternative options for people and not just retail as retail is changing in front of our eyes.

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“I think Southend needs to compete with other venues like with Basildon and its Festival Leisure area. Our youngsters often prefer to go there for the cinema and bowling, so I think it is important Southend competes with that and offers alternatives to keep youngsters here.”

A blood test centre has also been added to the Victoria Shopping Centre - purchased by the council for £10 million in 2020 - in a bid to offer “much more than just shops” in the city centre. 

Carole Mulroney, Lib Dem councillor responsible for environment, culture, and tourism, said: “I think we are all realising that the days of a traditional shopping centre are long gone.

“We have to be diverse, which you can see with the Victoria Shopping Centre. That is the way to go as far as I am concerned.

“Our biggest problem has always been the length of the High Street - it is a long drag, but people will walk down it.

“So to have something at the top end, that offers a variety of outlets, and similar down the bottom end to draw people through the High Street is great.

“They should complement each other and that will act as a draw between the whole High Street, and hopefully be a good boost for everyone.”

The tourism partnership board papers state: “The Royals Shopping Centre has a new manager in place, Will Moss.

“Will is very passionate about the city and lives near the centre.

“The Royals will stay a shopping centre but looking to include more entertainment outlets.”