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Shopping Centre Revamp Moves A Step Closer

The next step in delivering a multi-million pound revamp to Canvey Island’s main shopping centre has been taken.

At Castle Point Borough Council’s Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (January 18), councillors gave the go-ahead to develop a business case to rejuvenate the Knightswick Shopping Centre.

The report will set out how best to invest an estimated £2.6m into the building, which was bought by the Council in 2019.

Artist’s impressions of how the centre could look have already been drawn up and include changes to both the interior and exterior.

Inside, Knightswick could benefit from new floors and ceilings, as well as new lighting.

Work to the building’s entrances is also proposed along with alterations to other outside spaces.

All the work will make the building more welcoming in a bid to attract shoppers.

Cllr David Blackwell, Leader of the Council, said:

“This work is long overdue, having had to be postponed because of the pandemic.

“The Knightswick Shopping Centre represents a good investment for the Council and it is incumbent on us to maximise that investment by making it attractive to businesses and shoppers.

“Once we have the costs we intend to start delivering these improvements immediately.”

Subject to approval of the Council, it is hoped that work on the interior of the building can begin this summer so that it is complete in time for the Christmas shopping period.

Work on the outside would begin next year.

Notes to Editors

  • Artists impressions of how the renovated building could look can be seen as part of the  Cabinet Report