Shoebury East Beach cafes work completed ahead of opening

Hoardings have now been removed surrounding the cafes, on the site of a former cafe which burnt down more than 20 years ago, and Daniel Levy is poised to finalise a lease on one of the new businesses.

Southend Council has said it is in “positive discussions” with a potential tenant to take over the second unit.

It is hoped the first cafe will be up and running in spring, and potentially open ahead of Easter.

The project was hit by delays last year over the installation of utilities, but now excitement is building for the new cafes to open their doors to residents.

The new cafes are set to open in spring (Image: Sally Horrigan)

John Lamb, councillor responsible for regulatory services, said: “We are pleased that the contractor has now completed all works and has handed the units over to the council.

“Our first tenant is now able to start fitting out the unit and is hopeful for a spring completion, but this is a tenant-led activity.

“We wish them good luck with the fitting and look forward to a successful opening that will be much welcomed by both residents and visitors.

“Positive discussions are continuing in regard to the second unit.”

A toilet block on the beach, which includes a large grass-covered area, has been renovated, and improvements have been made to the car park.

The cafes are in a staggered row and are designed with pitched green roofs, similar to nearby beach huts.

Shoebury resident, Peter Lovett, added: “We are delighted the two cafes have been completed.

“It is yet another welcomed improvement to East Beach and will provide welcome refreshments for both residents and visitors.

“We look forward to the cafes being opened soon.

“We also already have a team of volunteers who clear weeds and plant flowers on East Beach, and we hope now the council will complete the sea defences and beach access steps.”