While 2009 may not seem that long ago, south Essex has changed a great deal over the last 10 years.

While some critics will say our boroughs have lost losing its charm as it gets bigger, hundreds of millions of pounds have been spent on improvements over the past decade.

They include expansion and upgrades to various Southend seafront attractions, a number of fires and a redevelopment at the Esplanade Pub on the seafront.

Here we've taken a trip down memory lane using pictures from Google Street view taken in 2008 and 2019.

Take a scroll through our gallery below to see Brighton as you remember it.

Adventure Island, Southend

Echo:

This is the park in 2009 long before a revamp and many new additions and the branding at the time. Even in those days it was the top fun park in our area.

The interesting Totem poles stood at the entrance and were a recognisable welcome to any visitors arriving.

Echo:

Here is how the site looks today with the Italian restaurant Feelgoods and a new entrance. There's also been the addition of the Adventure Island play centre with lots of new rides and attractions. 

Esplanade Pub, Southend

Echo:

Here we see Southend's Esplanade Pub how it used to be in 2009. It was always a popular drinking and socialising spot on the seafront. Lots of loyal customers will remember plenty of great memories there. 

Echo:

Sadly the pub suffered lots of fires and it's been an on going saga. Here it is in 2019. Building work on a deluxe £125million seafront flats complex on the old Esplanade pub will be finished next year. Beyond the Box Developments demolished the derelict pub and neighbouring Marriott’s Fish and Chip Shop last year as part of ambitious plans for 51 flats and two restaurants in Western Esplanade, Southend.

Sealife Adventure, Southend 

Echo:

We all love a trip to Southend's Sealife Adventure to see the underwater wildlife. Here is the centre in 2009 before lots of expansion and new additions. Even back then families loved seeing all the fish and other animals.

Echo:

This is as it looks today - with the image taken in 2019. Since 2009 there's been lots of additions including the Wild Adventure with rescue monkeys and Pangea with scary dinosaurs, butterflies and much more.

Festival Leisure Park, Basildon

Echo:

It was once one of our top night hotspots, here in 2009 we see the nightclubs at Festival Leisure Park in Basildon, including SkyBar, Liquid and Jumpin Jacks. Many revellers enjoyed great nights out at the venues, bars and clubs.

Echo:

Now the park has been transformed into a more family orientated asset with the 360 kids play centre, more restaurants and most of the clubs gone. Here we see how it looks today with the image taken in 2019. 

Basildon's Mayflower Retail Park

Echo:

This is how Basildon's Mayflower Retail Park looked back in 2009 - with different brands and firms including Harveys and Currys. It's always been popular with shoppers and visitors and has always hosted a range of chains. 

Echo:

In this image taken in 2019, we see a much newer look and fresh range of brands. River Island and Superdrug are among those stores now serving customers. The shopping destination off the A127 is now as eye catching as ever.