A RIBBON cutting ceremony has been held to mark the completion of a new nursery development in Shoebury.

Southend mayor Derek Jarvis led the way at the opening ceremony of the new 50-place nursery on the site of the former Friar’s Library and former Renown pupil referral unit, which is another development by the Southend Council’s development company PSP Southend LLP.

Completion of the nursery development will be followed by the construction of nine new homes in the New Year, which will help to finance the scheme.

The project follows on from the completion of the regeneration of the former Hinguar Primary School and Saxon Lodge sites in Shoebury to convert the sites into new housing, which included the sale of nine affordable units and a further six units to Moat Housing Association.

Derek Jarvis said: “I’m delighted to have the honour of opening this wonderful new nursery. This was an underused and partially vacant brownfield site, so it is great to see it put to good use for the community. Delivering the project through the council’s development company has ensured best value for money to the council and local taxpayers and has enabled the nursery to be built in advance of the housing.”

Adam Cunnington, CEO, Public Sector Plc said: “This is the second project we have delivered in the last 12 months in partnership with Southend Council and a great example of private-public working together to the benefit of local community.

"The development of the homes will help contribute to the housing supply and needs of local people.”

Following the ribbon cutting, which took place on November 9, an official opening with parents and children of the nursery will be held in the New Year to mark the completion of the playground and invite people to see the facility.