SOUTHEND Council has chosen an architect to design the much-anticipated cliff museum, which will be known as the Estuary Experience.

Hawkins\Brown Architects have been appointed to design the new Thames Estuary visitor attraction.

The original museum proposal is being updated to ensure visitors will want to keep returning to the venue on Western Esplanade, overlooking the estuary.

Hawkins\Brown is an award-winning architectural practice with offices in London and Manchester that specialises in “designing innovative buildings that connect with their surrounding communities”.

Ann Holland, councillor responsible for culture, tourism and the economy, said: “Following a robust procurement process, I am delighted to announce that we have appointed Hawkins\Brown Architects to design the new Thames Estuary Experience.

“As well as offering a competitive bid for the project, we were very impressed by their previous experience of delivering high-quality buildings. They showed an excellent understanding of the challenges and opportunities surrounding a project such as this and we were struck by their obvious enthusiasm and vision for the new attraction.”

It is hoped a planning application will be submitted by next summer. Southend residents will be given an opportunity contribute their thoughts on the project.

The venue will be home to artefacts unearthed in the tomb of the Prittlewell Prince along with those from the 17th century shipwreck of The London, a ship “every bit as important for its time as the Mary Rose”.

Mrs Holland added: “We are determined that the new Thames Estuary Experience will further widen the town’s appeal by extending our cultural tourism offer and cement our growing position nationally and internationally as a year-round visitor destination of quality and choice.”

Hazel York, partner at Hawkins\Brown, said: “We are thrilled to be a part of the regeneration of Southend seafront. The new building will provide a destination for locals and visitors alike, celebrating Southend’s rich heritage as well as broader stories of the Thames Estuary.”