Residents have called for shoe shops, bakeries and even an ice rink to be built in Southend town centre.

Our seaside town is set to be boosted with the arrival of high street retailer Dunelm, with the home furnishing store being given the go-ahead to replace Primark at the Royals Shopping Centre.

The latest arrival has got members of the community drawing up their wishlist of what businesses they would like to see follow suit.

Keaton Harland has called for the Kursaal to be adapted and the town centre to take inspiration from other seaside towns like Blackpool.

He said: “I would love to see loads of new small businesses open, ranging from clothing to a nice fresh bakery.

“It would be lovely to see the Kursaal turned into a nice function area or an ice rink with a small bar and area for teenagers to just hangout.

“Southend has so much potential to be a great town and become a prime tourist attraction.

“It would be nice to see a small museum, but not just any museum. I’d like it to be quite quirky, like the Doctor Who Museum in Blackpool or the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Cornwall.

“That would result in us attracting even more tourists when coronavirus restrictions are lifted.”

Like Keaton, Paul Harper believes the Kursaal should be transformed.

He said: “I think the Kursaal should be made into a food market, like Borough Market in London. It would be fantastic for there to be local homegrown food, wine and beer in one place.

“As for the high street shops, we need shops that people of all ages enjoy. We don’t want overpriced shops, though.”

Hazel Carlo is hoping a popular shoe shop will be welcomed to Southend as it will save some petrol money.

She said: “It would be great to have a decent shoe shop, like Schuh, in our town centre.

“There are only cheap shoe shops left along Southend High Street now.

“I always have to go to Westfield or Lakeside when I need new trainers.”

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Dan McGill is yearning for a return to what Southend High Street was like in years gone by.

He said: “I have always wanted to see a Disney Store on our doorstep.

“Some upmarket clothes shops would also be welcome.

“I used to love shopping in Southend 20 years ago, but it’s not the same now.”

While other residents suggested they would like to see Home Bargains become the next big-name retailer to come to our seaside town, it does not feature on Cherise Barnes’ wishlist.

She said: “It would be good to see a store we don’t already have nearby, like Ikea, Schuh or Office.

“I think we have enough cleaning stores in Southend town centre.”

Lauren Shelbourne added: “I want there to be Zara, Schuh, Disney store and Flying Tiger.”

Others have called for more restaurants.

Sarah Beaumont said: “I’d like there to be a TGI Fridays.”

Sam Jane added: “A Wagamama restaurant would be great.”