THE Victoria Circus area of Southend could be transformed into a "continental-style" public square, if new plans are approved.

A giant television screen, trees and a water feature have all been suggested to smarten up the site.

Routes for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists into the town centre from Victoria Avenue could also be improved.

The scheme has been put forward by regeneration company Renaissance Southend, which is holding a public exhibition today and tomorrow.

Visitors and workers in the town frequently complain that routes into the town centre are indirect and confusing.

William Fraser, 43, of London Road, Rayleigh, travels into Southend town centre each day by train.

He said: "It will be easier for people coming into the town if they make it easier for pedestrians when they leave the station."

Renaissance Southend hopes the plans will create greener, more attractive streets and new public spaces and landmarks.

The Queensway roundabout could also be redesigned with new lighting and public art at Victoria station to point the way to the High Street.

London Road from outside Sainsbury's to the High Street could be made into a boulevard-style road with trees and places to sit.

At the junction of London Road and Queensway, the plan is to remove the roundabout, or reduce it in size. It would allow the creation of a public square at the entrance to London Road and free up land for shops, businesses and homes.

The junction of Victoria Avenue and Queensway would be transformed with the 1960s roundabout removed and replaced with traffic lights.

PARKING COULD BE LOST IN CITY BEACH PLAN

A NEW "city beach" project aims to revitalise the Golden Mile of Southend seafront from the pier to the former gasworks site.

As part of the plans, wider footways with tables and chairs will be created by removing the central reservation and scrapping car parking spaces along the seafront.

A public square would be created at the corner of Southchurch Avenue between the Kursaal and the planned Marine Plaza development.

The aim is to try to attract people to the seafront all year round, rather than just the summer months, by offering leisure facilities and play areas for children.

A report by regeneration company Renaissance Southend also says better public toilets are needed and suggests the best solution is to combine them with private shops or food kiosks, like at the Ocean Beach cafe and The Leas.

Roger Fisher, chairman of the Southend Seafront Illuminations and Business Association, cautiously welcomed the plans.

He said: "I haven't yet seen the finished proposals, but I think quite a lot of it is welcome, although there are some concerns.

"We recently attended a workshop on the issues of the urban beach and there were some good ideas put forward."

It is hoped performance spaces for artists and musicians can be set up along the seafront.

The report also says the seawall is rundown with steps leading to the beach needing to be improved as they are difficult for the elderly, disabled or parents with pushchairs to use.

It is planned the scheme will be funded though a combination of Thames Gateway money and private sector investment.