WORK continues on Southend Pier’s newest edition, but what do we know about the new café set to open in the coming months?

And opening date is expected to be announced soon for the single storey building that will offer spectacular views of the Thames Estuary.

The café is being built on the old pier head and will largely provide life refreshments comprising of hot and cold drinks and snacks.

A roof top terrace is also being installed and will allow the public to enjoy their snacks alongside stunning views of the area.

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The building itself will be heated but will not have any toilets installed due to the close proximity of public facilities.

The roof terrace steps down to the west, providing raised seating with views over the estuary towards Leigh-on-Sea and Canvey Island as well as access to the roof deck.

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A kiosk style window will be installed on the side of the café for serving items such as ice cream to the public.

On the ground floor there are large glass patio doors that open onto a roof terrace facing south.

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Design drawings suggest one of the soon-to-be-retired railway carriages serving Southend Pier could be repurposed and placed next to the new café.

A new children’s area, including a trampoline, is also included in the drawing and would be based opposite the café.

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Speaking about the plans back in September, Paul Collins, cabinet member for corporate services and performance delivery, said: “The firstphase of the new features at the pier head will provide visitors with a better experience at the pier head and we are excited that this, along with the new eco-friendly electric pier trains, will be a huge boost for the pier offering.

“I am delighted that this administration continues to invest heavily in our jewel in the crown so that we can continue to work towards our goal of becoming the number one tourist destination in the country.”

The improvements to the pier have also been praised by opposition councillors.

Tony Cox, leader of the Southend Tories said: “I think these additions and the pier trains will make it even more popular and at least it should help keep the visitor numbers we have been seeing.

“I hope families and visitors do come down and enjoy the new improved Southend Pier and modern and new facilities can only be a good thing.”