Southend seafront’s world famous illuminations could soon be coming back to life with a 21st century twist.

Ambitious council plans would see elaborate lighting columns introduced along Marine Parade and Eastern Esplanade, between the pier and Sealife Adventure.

They are seen as an integral part of the anticipated City Beach scheme which the council hopes to gain Thames Gateway funding for later this month.

The six 100-foot plus masts will provide both lighting for the seafront and also decorative illuminations for the summer season.

Southend Seafront Illuminations and Business Association pulled the plug on the traditional lights along the seafront two years ago because of the rising costs of maintaining the deteriorating illuminations.

Now the council believes the new lights would provide up-to-date lighting facilities which can change colour as required and provide “abstract patterning and movement”.

There will be a special facility which can create a strobe lighting effect.

Two pattern projectors, also based near the top, will direct patterned light on to the promenade and the masts will have pre-programmed “light shows”.

John Lamb, Southend councillor responsible for regeneration, said: “I think this is a really exciting lighting plan.

“It gives us back our illuminations, which have been very much missed, but in a 21st century context, which will put Southend in the forefront of seaside towns across the country.”

Mr Lamb said there had been extensive consultations carried out with seafront traders and with residents about the plans.

He added: “The traders are fully in support and they are as excited about it as we are. The urban beach scheme as a whole is designed to make the seafront more attractive to both residents and visitors and this will play a major part in attracting people to come to Southend.”