The Challenge

On behalf of Turnstone Estates, the LSH Economic Regeneration team was appointed to undertake an economic benefits assessment for a 2.3 hectare town centre site located east of the High Street in Southend. The proposal incorporated a state-of-the-art 11-screen Empire Cinema (with an IMAX Screen), 20 lane Hollywood Bowl, an 80 room Travelodge Hotel, restaurants, a new public square with landscaping, as well as a new 555 space surface and multi-storey car park. LSH’s input, and the proposal overall, was subject to local opposition and scrutiny by third parties. 

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council backed Turnstone Estates in the regeneration of Seaway Leisure.  However, members discussing the plans initially chose to defer the decision over concerns the site would not have enough parking spaces, which had been a highly controversial issue.

Acknowledging that the parking issue may never get resolved at local decision making level and owing to contractual deadlines looming, Turnstone  lodged an appeal for non-determination.

Our Solution

LSH’s analysis considered the different types of leisure operators and uses. It demonstrated that Turnstone Estates £50 million investment would provide a significant boost, generating an additional £15 million to the local economy every year, whilst also creating up to 550 new jobs, adding value for the local community. The initial analysis was supplemented with a detailed commercial property operator demand assessment.

The Results

Due to the works conducted by LSH, including the economic case suggesting the significant job opportunities that the development would bring to Southend-on-Sea and the contribution to the Council’s published ambition and outcomes, Turnstone Estates were successful in their appeal which was approved and permission granted. 

Tim Deacon of Turnstone Estates stated “the economic assessment input was fundamental to providing the planning balance” for the scheme. 

For more information on how the LSH Economic Regeneration team can assist with your needs, please feel free to contact us.