If you listen to the vibes coming out of the privileged few in Westminster, then nobody wants arcades in their town. Well suck on this the political elite: an arcade is exactly what the people of Southend want for their reformed classic landmark, the Kursaal. The once proud iconic building is making a comeback and a survey of locals reveals they want it to house an arcade, bowling and family entertainment centre. Le Miserable in Downing Street should perhaps listen to what people outside of Manchester want in their communities.

Southend residents have expressed their hope that bowling, arcade games, and family entertainment will once more return to The Kursaal, as work begins to restore the Grade II-listed building.

Scaffolding has now been erected around the dilapidated landmark by new leaseholder Star Amusements, prompting excitement from locals about the attraction’s return and memories of its heyday.

“It would be good to see it back in action,” Clifford Conway told the Echo. “I think another arcade would be nice or bowling in there. A lot of people are happy to see scaffolding going up. It’s part of Southend’s heritage.”

Ellie Driver, who grew up on the site, said “it’s nice to see work being done. That was my childhood. They should do something for young children, like a soft play.”

Natalie O’Rourke agreed, saying “I think there needs to be something for young people, like bowling or an arcade.” 

Star’s operations director Nick Singer said “there is absolutely an ambition to create something that appeals to families, younger people and the wider community.”

“Our main priority at the moment is protecting, repairing and restoring this incredibly important building before we move too far ahead with the longer-term plans.”