Like so many other ‘mini mall’ town shopping centres, the Knightswick Centre on Canvey has lost a lot of its retail lustre since it opened almost 45 years ago.

Earlier this year it was revealed that at least six of the 23 units at the complex are vacant.

Echo: Plans in 1973 show how the proposed shopping complex would look Plans in 1973 show how the proposed shopping complex would look (Image: Newsquest)

However, hopefully all is not lost as £2.6million plans to revamp the centre were unveiled earlier this year.

It is hoped the investment, by Castle Point Council, will modernise the centre, attract new businesses and entice in shoppers.

Echo: Before - the site on Canvey where the shopping centre would be builtBefore - the site on Canvey where the shopping centre would be built (Image: Newsquest)

The Knightswick Centre came about as part of plans to regenerate Canvey in the 1970s.

Work began clearing the area for the proposed shopping centre in the late 1970s.

Echo: Just opened - the centre in 1979 shows finishing touches to units still being made Just opened - the centre in 1979 shows finishing touches to units still being made (Image: Newsquest)

Some of the first shops in the complex included Bata shoes, Key Markets superstore and Martins the Newsagents.

Our photo gallery shows the early days of the centre.

Echo: Demolished - this photo from 1976 shows a house on Canvey that had to be demolished to make way for the Knightswick CentreDemolished - this photo from 1976 shows a house on Canvey that had to be demolished to make way for the Knightswick Centre (Image: Newsquest)

One photo shows ‘Mr Canvey’, Ray Howard MBE who was then the council chairman, laying the foundation stone of the £3million shopping centre in May 1978.

Echo: Man at work - Ray Howard, the town chairman, puts his back into laying the foundation stone for the Knightswick Centre in 1978Man at work - Ray Howard, the town chairman, puts his back into laying the foundation stone for the Knightswick Centre in 1978 (Image: Newsquest)

True to form Mr Howard borrowed a bricklayer’s donkey jacket and flat cap to get into the spirit of the occasion as he laid the stone.

Echo: All change - By the 1990s Gateways had taken over from Key Markets within the Knightswick Shopping Centre and other new shops had moved inAll change - By the 1990s Gateways had taken over from Key Markets within the Knightswick Shopping Centre and other new shops had moved in (Image: Newsquest)

To mark the event he was presented with an inscribed silver trowel by Tom Howe, managing director of the site’s developers French Kier.

Echo: Fun - a knit and natter event at the Knightswick Centre in 1990Fun - a knit and natter event at the Knightswick Centre in 1990 (Image: Newsquest)