The Government’s national housing and regeneration agency, The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), has confirmed funding for the resort’s City Beach scheme.

The two-year programme of work, aimed at encouraging visitors to make more use of the town’s beach and stay longer in the area, will start early in the new year.

It is centred on six 100ft state-of-the-art lighting columns which the council hopes will transform the Marine Parade area by extending daytime into the evenings.

Residents and visitors will also have access to a new landscaped public area with a fountain. There will also be improved access to the beach, new footpaths, improved provision for cyclists and better toilet facilities.

Councillor Anna Waite, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s executive councillor for planning and transport, said “This is excellent news. The area between the Sealife Adventure car park and the Pier has become tired and is dominated by the road.

“By removing some of the road engineering elements, introducing soft landscaping and refurbishing the pavements we can really make some worthwhile improvements. It will create a lively vibrant area for all to enjoy. We are also improving street lighting and provision for cyclists and making the beach front less cluttered.”

The council’s successful bid for Government backing was assisted by the regeneration company Renaissance Southend.