A petition calling for Southend’s historic Kursaal to be turned into Essex’s largest Wetherspoons pub gained traction, attracting hundreds of signatures in just a few days.
Luke Turner, who launched the petition, argued that the iconic venue would be the perfect spot for an affordable pub and restaurant.
“Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a cheap pint and burger meal deal in this iconic venue?” he said, highlighting the appeal of Wetherspoons’ budget-friendly offerings in a town known for its seaside charm and vibrant nightlife.
What should Southend’s Kursaal become?
The Kursaal, once a bustling entertainment complex, had stood largely empty since April, when the bowling alley and soft play area closed. Since then, the grand building had remained unused, leaving many locals wondering what the future held for the once-popular venue.
The ground floor space—previously home to the bowling alley—came with a hefty annual rent of over £200,000, making it a challenge for prospective tenants. Despite this, passionate Southend residents shared their visions for the site, with many offering alternative ideas for how it could be revived.
Lindsay Walsh believed the Kursaal could thrive as a music venue, offering something unique compared to the town’s existing spaces.
“The Cliffs Pavilion is good,” she said, “but I think this could be great for smaller, more personal concerts—whether for big artists or local talent. Some rental recording studios could bring in everyday income too.”
Meanwhile, Jo Daniel suggested a different approach, envisioning the Kursaal as a bustling food market.
“I’d like to see it as a food market, like The English Market in Cork or Borough Market in London,” she said. “Lots of small producers, all under one roof. Southend is lacking a proper market; the few high street stalls aren’t enough.”
Local councillor Matt Dent said: “I remain committed to getting the Kursaal open to the public once again, as well as giving residents a say in how it should be used. But this is not the answer. We can do better with this piece of Southend history than turning it into yet another cheap drinking establishment.
For the avoidance of all doubt, I do not support this suggestion.”
A landmark in limbo
With its rich history dating back to 1901, the Kursaal had once been one of the UK’s first purpose-built amusement parks, drawing visitors from across the country. Over the decades, it had been home to a variety of attractions, from a grand ballroom to a circus, but in recent years, it had struggled to find a lasting purpose.
The petition to turn the Kursaal into a Wetherspoons was just one of many ideas put forward by locals who wanted to see the landmark brought back to life. Whether it became a pub, a music venue, or a food market, one thing was clear—Southend residents were eager to see the Kursaal thriving once again.
As discussions continued, the future of this beloved building remained uncertain. But with strong opinions and community support behind multiple ideas, it seemed likely that the Kursaal’s story was far from over.