Recent photographs taken from inside Southend’s iconic Kursaal have unveiled concerning maintenance issues plaguing the historic landmark.
Urban explorers, gaining access through an unlocked door, captured images showing water leaks, with makeshift paddling pools collecting water amidst reports of mould, damp, broken windows, and structural decay.
The Kursaal, renowned as one of the world’s first entertainment parks, holds significant historical value as a grade II listed building. Recently listed among the top ten endangered buildings by the Victorian Society, its deterioration has sparked community concern.
Ownership complexities add to the challenge: while Southend City Council holds the freehold, London-based property group AEW retains a 200-year lease.
One local resident, Terry Champ, reflected on his family’s deep ties to the Kursaal and expressed dismay: “This is so sad to see. My family have generations back connections to the Kursaal. My Grandad operated the Jocky Scales outside the entrance. It was the jewel in the crown of Southend. It needs to be saved and brought back to a place for the city and visitors.”
Another local, Ruth Barker, questioned the leaseholder’s responsibilities: “Surely the leaseholders must be in breach of their lease by allowing the building to deteriorate. But as they aren’t earning anything from it, that suggests that they are land-banking the site and waiting for it to become available for development. It is in their interests for the building to deteriorate until it becomes unviable to restore and then they are quids in.”
Councillor Matt Dent highlighted a number of challenges that the council faces concerning the Kursaal. He explained what actions the current council are taking: “The problem is that whilst the council owns the freehold, but it’s leased to a private firm, AEW, who are responsible for the maintenance.
“They’ve clearly not been doing it, and so at the end of last year the Council sent a letter threatening legal action if they didn’t start maintaining the building. As a result of this, AEW have opened discussions with the planning department at the council about how to go about it.
“The Kursaal is in a terrible state, and there’s not been enough pressure and attention on it from previous administrations at the Council, I freely admit that.”
Efforts are underway, with the council engaging a dilapidations expert to assess required repairs. “This administration is committed to holding AEW accountable and restoring the Kursaal,” Councillor Dent affirmed.
Photos by Charlotte Whybrow.