The year 1967 was a busy and presumably dusty one in Southend as the town was in the midst of getting a huge makeover.

The Victoria Circus Development was underway and buildings in and around the town centre were going up and coming down.

Echo: Demolition - a building is flattened in the town centre in April 1967 to make way for the Victoria Circus developmentDemolition - a building is flattened in the town centre in April 1967 to make way for the Victoria Circus development (Image: Newsquest)

The landscape was blighted by cranes, tractors and other equipment as by-passes, subways and footbridges were being built.

Echo: Long way to go - but the Rochford By Pass is clearly taking shape back in February 1967 Long way to go - but the Rochford By Pass is clearly taking shape back in February 1967 (Image: Newsquest)

Echo: Subway - workmen are seen here during the building of the Civic Centre underground subway in Southend in May 1967Subway - workmen are seen here during the building of the Civic Centre underground subway in Southend in May 1967 (Image: Newsquest)

One of the photos in our gallery shows the Warrior Square swimming pool being built. In 1967 it was just a shell but it would go onto become a much-loved local leisure facility.

Echo: Making waves on the landscape - the Warrior Square swimming pool being built in December 1967Making waves on the landscape - the Warrior Square swimming pool being built in December 1967 (Image: Newsquest)

To make way for the new, however, which was to include the Victoria Shopping Centre as well as three new tower blocks and a school, the old had to go.

Echo: New beginnings - Work underway in Victoria Avenue, Southend in April 1967New beginnings - Work underway in Victoria Avenue, Southend in April 1967 (Image: Newsquest)

Beautiful old buildings such as the Victoria Hotel and the original Talza Arcades had to be flattened in the name of progress. Entire streets also had to be bulldozed.

Echo: Fuel site - building a new coal distribution centre for Southend in April 1967Fuel site - building a new coal distribution centre for Southend in April 1967 (Image: Newsquest)