Latest news – Southend-on-Sea City Council

Extra £1m funding available to develop City’s empty commercial properties

Owners of empty commercial properties are being encouraged to bring their buildings back into use through the No Use Empty (NUE) scheme.

Published: 24th August 2023

A sunny day at the bottom of Southend high street. On the left is the entrance to the Royals shopping centre. Colourful bunting is hung across the main path between the opposite rows of shops.

Transforming tennis in public parks for Southend residents

Work is almost complete on the refurbishment of ten tennis courts located in five public parks across Southend.

Published: 21st August 2023

A newly refurbished tennis court can be seen through a mesh wire fence.

Youth mayor and deputy presented with official chains

Southend City Youth Council’s Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor were both presented with their official chains last month.

Published: 15th August 2023

The Youth Council Mayor and Deputy posing for a photograph at the top of the Civic Centre sitars. They are both wearing their newly acquired official chains.

Sanctuary withdraws from Better Queensway project - but Council remains committed to delivering regeneration for residents

Sanctuary Housing Association has confirmed its intention to withdraw from the Better Queensway project.

Published: 10th August 2023

An aerial view of the Queensway flats and Essex Street Car Park

Council consults on boosting its traffic enforcement powers to make Southend roads safer

Residents are being asked to have their say on plans to get tougher on drivers who break the rules of the road.

Published: 9th August 2023

Kent Elms junction. A busy intersection along the A127. A large white footbridge can be seen in the background.

Southend-on-Sea City Council shortlisted for four Essex Housing Awards

Housing and sustainability teams at Southend-on-Sea City Council have been recognised in this year’s shortlist for The Essex Housing Awards.

Published: 3rd August 2023

Ben and Faye standing outside the front of the Civic centre. They are both dressed smartly and are smiling at the camera.

Violence and Vulnerability Community Grant applications launched

Groups that deliver support to families with children and young adults are being encouraged to apply for the Violence and Vulnerability Community Grant.

Published: 27th July 2023

9 images in a grid. They feature outdoor activities, such as a football goal and basketball hoop as well as a large camera on a tripod. The middle image is of a group of teenagers in hoodies down an alleyway.

Council issues advice on staying cool and hydrated to cope with future heatwaves

Southend-on-Sea City Council is reminding residents to stay cool and hydrated to cope with future heat waves and to avoid heat stress.

Published: 26th July 2023

Brown sunglasses and a straw hat on a wooden surface.

Rob Tinlin MBE returns as Chief Executive

Rob Tinlin MBE has been appointed as the council’s interim Chief Executive, following approval at Full Council yesterday (Monday 24 July)

Published: 25th July 2023

Rob Tinlin posing for a photograph outside of the Civic Centre. He is wearing a dark grey suit jacket with a blue tie and white shirt.

Southend Mayor and guests attend unveiling of cliff lift commemorative plaque

The Worshipful the Mayor of Southend, Cllr Stephen Habermel, today attended the official unveiling of a commemorative plaque at Southend’s historic cliff lift.

Published: 25th July 2023

Lady Judy McAlpine, Mayor of Southend, Cllr Stephen Habermel, Cllr Derek Jarvis and His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jenny Tolhurst all posing for a photo at the top of the Southend Cliff lift.