In my last article, I mentioned my upcoming public meeting to discuss the future of the Kursaal. I’m pleased to report back that the meeting was well attended and discussions were incredibly fruitful.
I have convened a meeting with AEW (the current leaseholders), Southend City Council and Historic England in a bid to get everyone around the table and discuss the future of the Kursaal. In advance of this meeting, I wanted to make sure that I had done my bit to ensure that the community has their say about the building’s future, so that I can represent their wishes properly.
I know that this wasn’t the first opportunity that residents have had to share their hopes and opinions on the future of the Kursaal. It was, however, the first opportunity that I have had as the sitting MP for the area to hear from residents firsthand.
Nostalgia and warmth
Something that I found heartwarming from the night, was the sharing of fond memories and nostalgia: which bore testament to just how many lives the Kursaal has touched over the years, through first dates, dances, performances and of course, the Wall of Death, that the Kursaal has hosted over the years.
The building means a great deal to so many, and we cannot deprive future generations the chance to experience the building in all its glory.
Updates from the council and Concrete Culture
At the meeting, we received an update from the Leader of Southend City Council, Daniel Cowan, about the council’s efforts to date and his administration’s commitment to getting the building back into use. Concrete Culture also delivered a presentation about the findings of their fantastic 2021 consultation, which received over 2000 responses.
Community first
Perhaps one of my personal favourite points of discussion, was around the notion that yes, the Kursaal should once more be used to attract tourism and visitors, but also to benefit and lift the residents living near it.
My Shoebury Office is Now Open!
My Shoebury office is fully up and running:
101 West Road, Shoeburyness, SS3 9DT
Appointments can be pre-booked by phone or email (see details below), or feel free to drop in and we’ll be happy to book you in.
Bayo Alaba
MP for Southend East and Rochford
01702 844754
bayo.alaba.mp@parliament.uk