Back to the list

Shopping Centre revamp given go ahead

The first phase of a multi-million-pound revamp to Canvey Island’s main shopping centre has been given the go ahead.

Councillors approved a £1.275m investment to rejuvenate the interior of the Knightswick Shopping Centre at a meeting of Council on Wednesday, 26 July.

Work will include replacement of the building’s floors and ceilings, as well as the installation of new lighting.

A further report will be brought in due course so councillors can make a decision on proposals to invest a further £1.34m to renovate the exterior of the building.

The Knightswick Shopping Centre was bought by the Council in 2019 to ensure that the Centre would not be lost to the people of Canvey Island and would, with investment, play its role in maintaining footfall to the town centre.

Cllr Dave Blackwell, Leader of the Council, said: “The Centre is an important part of Canvey Town Centre  and we must ensure we maximise its potential.

“Our intention is that this work will encourage existing businesses to stay and attract new businesses to come. 

“Not only that, modernising the Knightswick will benefit the wider town centre as we work to ensure it remains attractive to shoppers and thus maintain footfall.”

It is anticipated the interior work on the centre will begin before the end of the 2023. The centre will remain open throughout the rennovations.