A long-abandoned seafront plot in Southend is set to go under the hammer after sitting in a state of disrepair for more than five years.
The site of the former Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant, once a popular dining spot, has been left in what locals have branded a “complete mess” since 2018.
A prime location left to rot
The former Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant was demolished in 2018, with ambitious plans to replace it with a sleek, modern eatery. However, those plans never came to fruition, and the prime seafront location has remained an unsightly patch of overgrown weeds and scattered building debris ever since.
Residents and visitors to Southend have expressed their frustration at the state of the site, which is one of the first things many see when they arrive at the seafront. The area, known for its bustling tourism and vibrant seaside attractions, has been tarnished by the derelict land.
Funding issues to blame
According to the site’s owners, a series of funding difficulties delayed construction and ultimately left the project in limbo. What was once expected to become a thriving new addition to Southend’s hospitality scene has instead become an eyesore.
One local resident said: “It’s such a shame. The spot could have been something amazing, but instead, it’s just been left to ruin. Southend seafront should be a welcoming place for visitors, not a dumping ground for failed projects.”
A new opportunity?
Now, the site has been put up for auction, with a guide price of £100,000, in the hopes that a new developer will breathe life into the neglected plot.
Local business owners and residents have called for a development that will enhance the area, whether that be a new restaurant, café, or even a possible attraction. With its prime location along one of the busiest stretches of Southend seafront, the potential for a successful venture is high.
What do you think should happen with the Fisherman’s Wharf site? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
To see what the proposed new restaurant was going to look like, watch the video in this previous article.