An amphitheatre at the top of the High Street, compulsory purchase orders for empty properties and two-hour free parking – these are just some of the ambitious proposals for Southend town centre outlined by the Conservatives.

The Tories are hoping their ambitious proposals will be integrated into the council’s budget for 2020 and say they will help “unleash Southend’s potential”.

The budget amendments include building a TV screen in Victoria Circus at the top of the High Street, as well as an amphitheatre capable of hosting large-scale events.

Conservative Derek Jarvis said: “We are determined to build an amphitheatre and erect a large TV at the top of the high street.

"The idea is to be able to host events in the amphitheatre such as open air theatre, celebrations, festivals and to start showing major television events such as sporting world cups or even Royal events.”

The party is also setting their sights on improving parking in the town centre, proposing that “needless” double yellow lines are removed from roads off the High Street and two-hour free parking introduced.

During the festive period, there are also plans to allow motorists to park for free at London Road North, Pittmans Court and Short Street car parks between November 1 and February 29.

Meg Davidson, deputy leader of the Southend Conservatives said: “Whilst the Labour led coalition spends money secured by the Conservatives during our time in administration on projects on the outskirts of the High Street, there is very little being done for the High Street itself.

“However, if the council’s coalition administration refuses to get the High Street sorted then the Conservatives will, starting with these amendments.”

The party also hopes to use compulsory purchase orders so the council can take control of empty properties and use them for a start-up business scheme.

But their plans do not include any details of how they can be achieved financially and the council’s deputy leader Ron Woodley questioned what cuts would be made to achieve the plans.

He said: “Two-hour free parking came up last year and when we looked into it we found it would cost the council £1million. They would need to find that saving in the budget and that is without all the other ideas.”

He added the current administration is working to achieve the goal laid out by a cross party scrutiny meeting which assessed priorities for regeneration, including a new multi-storey car park on Tylers Avenue and 100 extra spaces at the Gas Works Car Park.

Extra street lighting is also being installed and the council is considering a £7 a month parking scheme, allowing people to park for three hours anywhere in Southend.

“You’ve got to remember the High Street is in such a mess because the Conservatives have been in power for 18 of the past 20 years,” Mr Woodley continued.

“It is alright for them to say they will do this but what did they do in 18 years? – Absolutely nothing.”

Initial discussions on the budget will be held by council leaders at a meeting tomorrow afternoon.