KEY dates and figures in the history of Southend have been paved into the ground in Southend High Street as part of £4million plan to breathe new life into the town centre.

Ambitious works to transform, upgrade and modernise a major gateway into Southend town centre are nearing completion, including additional seating, new trees and new paving.

One of the key new additions is the wayfinding stone which has been installed at the top of the High Street, outside Victoria Shopping Centre.

It includes key dates and figures in the history of Southend, including when the Kursaal first opened and highlighting stand out attractions such as Southend Pier.

It can also be used to find key landmarks in Southend with arrows around the whole circumference pointing to places such as Gunners Park, Prittlewell Priory and the station.

The feature is part of the London Road regeneration scheme funded through the South East Local Enterprise Partnership’s (SELEP) Local Growth Fund.

Carole Mulroney, Lib Dem cabinet member for environment, culture, tourism and planning, said: “As part of the regeneration scheme to improve the gateway into our soon-to-be city centre, there is now modern paving, new trees and planting, and this new, custom-made wayfinding stone installation.

Installing - Wayfinding stone

Installing - Wayfinding stone

“Along with the LED lighting, it creates a nice new feature for this end of the High Street.

“Additional seating and improved lighting make it a nice spot to meet up with friends or to simply have a sit down whilst out shopping in the High Street.

“I hope people enjoy this more welcoming space at the main gateway into central Southend.”

The feature, which was completed last week, has already received positive feedback from residents.

Southend resident Martin Smith, 60, said: “I’ve seen this part of the High Street being repaved for what seemed like ages, and it has actually been revealed to be something rather interesting.

Wayfinding stone feature - in Southend.

Wayfinding stone feature - in Southend.

“It was a nice surprise to see what had been revealed when I went past.

“The circular paved area seemed to have events and historical facts, along with carved pictures of landmarks in the centre, and around the outside there are directions for some places of interest in the area, it was a really nice feature.

“I think it’s so important for Southend to have features like this, now that we are soon to be a city, as the High Street has become a little bit run down lately.”