PLANS for a new museum to house the Saxon king’s treasures are taking shape.

The new museum would give a permanent home to the remains, which were found in Priory Park. It would be built into the side of the cliff slip in Western Esplanade, Westcliff, and would be surrounded by a landscaped park, containing sculptures.

The architects designing the museum have submitted a pre-planning application to Southend Council to see if there are any environmental considerations which need to be taken into account.

Council leader Nigel Holdcroft said: “This proposal has been made for some time and we identified the perfect location for the new site in the area of the cliff slip. We are now working up proposals to see where funding would be available. There is a long way to go.

“These are very exciting proposals. The museum would be sunk into the cliff, helping to stabilise the cliff. Because it is sunk, there is a green space around and about. That green space is a part of that whole cultural offering and we are looking at the siting of some bits of sculpture to enhance the landscaping.”

He said the council would seek Government funding for the project from any available source. As well as providing a permanent home in the town for the Saxon relics, it would offer space for other museums, including the Beecroft and Southend Central Museum, in Victoria Avenue.

He said: “This is a major project which could transform the seafront.

“It is the logical location. It assists with the problem of the cliff slip and it adds to what we offer.

“We get millions of daytrippers to the town when the sun is shining. but we don’t have as much wet weather entertainment.”

He said the council had to be ready with plans for when funding became available.

He said: “We are in an economic downturn now, but that won’t last for ever and we have to be ready with our schemes so when the money becomes available we can go for it.”