SOUTHEND is set to see major changes, as a number of huge developments are set to change not only the skyline but the appearance and feel of the whole area.

A large number of new homes will be built at sites earmarked across the area, along with new leisure facilities and even new roads planned.

Despite these planned changes the seaside town has also suffered various challenges including major shops closing down and a spike in violent crime.

The developments include a new 108-room bright orange ten storey hotel operated by EasyHotel in Elmer Approach, Southend.

Inner London Group is planning its Marine Plaza development with 282 homes, shops and restaurants on land between Southchurch Avenue and Pleasant Road.

Southend Council is planning the Better Queensway scheme - a residential-led development made up of high-quality housing, commercial space, improved public areas and a new road network.

This year alone it’s been announced that major retailers such as Topshop and Argos will leave the high street and shopping centres, creating concern for Southend as a shopping destination.

There has also been a number of stabbings including the fatal incident last month near The Forum, Southend.

The area is set to get about 12 new police officers in a bid to help combat crime and Southend Council is planning a community crime hitting team for the town centre.

Councillors have welcomed the growth, changes and developments.

Martin Terry, Independent councillor for Thorpe, said he welcomes growth but it must be managed. He said he is glad to see the investment.

He added: “The rate of change in Southend is relentless and that’s in part to the regeneration of the Thames Gateway planned from the government.

“Our role as councillors is to ensure that we do not loose the charm and attraction in Southend.

“We are also seeing an influx of different people coming to Southend and the population dynamics are changing.”

Julian Ware-Lane, Labour councillor for Milton, said the changes should help to support the struggling high street.

He said: “Southend has seen a lot of changes during my life time but there are a lot of interesting things coming to Southend.

“I support some of the housing developments but we do need to see more infrastructure.”

Business owners are also calling for more infrastructure and appropriate development for the area.

Paul Thompson, 44, owner of Pebbles One on Southend seafront, said: “Regeneration is good for the town and should be encouraged, however the developments need to be the right fit for Southend.

“However everyone seems to be nodding their heads saying how good it is without paying any actual attention to the details of the scheme.

“Development and regeneration could be good, however a complete overhaul of the parking charges and availability of parking spaces in the high street and seafront needs to happen to lay the foundations for the regeneration.”