New museum could come to Southend high street

James Courtenay, councillor responsible for growth, believes any future development should support the regeneration of the High Street.

He said: “The proposed site on the cliffs has been around for a while now, but times have changed and so have the town’s priorities.

“Personally, I would like to see the museum form part of the regeneration our High Street, which is going to have to become a lot more mixed-use in future, rather than being so strongly dominated by retail, which is increasingly becoming an online sector.”

Mr Courtenay added: “Diversifying the use of units on the High Street is a key feature of the council’s Southend central area action plan, so we already have policy in place that would support increased cultural use of the High Street.

“We need to be realistic about our current situation and consider the best options for drawing in residents and visitors to parts of the town that are important to local people and to the economy.

“It is clear that we have a series of compelling stories to tell and anyone who has seen the current London Shipwreck exhibition in Central museum will appreciate the quality of offer that we are capable of delivering. We now need to review our options and come up with a solution that is right for the town, supports its economy and is financially sustainable.”

Councillors say displaying relics in central Southend, where there is public transport and parking facilities, along with other activities nearby, such as the pier and seafront attractions and eateries, could mean that the museum and the High Street help support each other.

An exhibition on the London Shipwreck is currently open at the Central Museum, whilst a permanent display is also planned there in the spring to coincide with the completion of academic work on the Saxon burial site. A report will go before Southend Council’s cabinet once the current technical assessments have been completed.