A NEW visitor centre would offer “panoramic views of the Thames Estuary” as part of a major regeneration of Canvey seafront.

It is hoped the £1.52 million plans, first submitted last year, will transform the island’s seafront into a modern holiday location for thousands of visitors.

Now building company Ingleton Wood, which have been hired to support Castle Point Council with developing a bid for cash from the Government’s coastal fund, have unveiled designs for the new visitor pavilion.

The innovative designs show a white art deco-style, sleek-curved pavilion, inspired by the Labworth building on Canvey seafront.

The new building will feature three levels and house a kiosk, storage space for voluntary groups, public toilets and offer a panoramic viewing platform looking out over the Thames Estuary and along the coast.

A pathway along the seafront is to be resurfaced with the introduction of new lighting and the existing car park, near the pavilion’s and a children’s play area, will be extended to offer further spaces to cope with the expected influx of visitors.

The proposals have been submitted to Castle Point Council’s planning committee to be considered. They will debated at a later date.

Max Chapman, the architectural lead for Ingleton Wood’s design team, said: “It’s a great spot, really popular with families and ideal for attracting tourism, so we are hoping it will find favour with the planning committee.

“It was a great project to have a hand in shaping and we are excited to work with Castle Point Council to develop and realise the scheme.”

The transformation plans also include increased car parking and an improved walkway to connect Thorney Bay with Canvey’s central seafront, along with improved lighting to allow residents and visitors to enjoy the seafront day and night.

It is one of 70 projects around the UK’s coastline which will benefit from a £36m windfall designed to encourage tourism, create jobs and promote socio-economic growth. If the plans are approved, work would begin after summer to be completed by summer 2020.