‘Old and ugly' shopping centre loved in the 80s set to get major £2million revamp
A DETERIORATING shopping centre which was once popular in the 80s will finally get a major revamp.
A local council is expected to splurge £2million to revive the mall to its former glory.
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The Knightswick Shopping Centre on Canvey Island was built in 1978, and has since lost its charm.
Castle Point Council bought the mall in October 2019 and has now made plans to spend £2,154,600 to refurbish the place.
During a cabinet meeting on June 18, Tom Gibson, People's Independent Party councillor for special projects and assets, said: 'This is, of course, a good news story, and the investment in and revitalisation of a valued and economically important commercial asset should be welcomed.
"To conclude, this is a fantastic opportunity to breathe new life into a highly valued commercial asset and the heart of our community.'
The shopping centre boasts 28 ground-floor shop units inside and around the mall.
The original plans, which were approved, called for new lighting, pilasters, ceiling treatments, and floor finishes.
The council will also be replacing high-level windows, mall fixtures, fittings and furniture, as well as branding, signage and installing CCTV.
The centre's three entry doors will all be completely replaced too.
The planning permission for the revamp was granted in December 2023 but the works won't start until February next year.
Residents can expect to see an improved mall by June 2026.
Fly-through video shows what major Scots city will look like after huge £20m revamp
David Blackwell, Canvey Independent leader of the council, said: 'It's been a long journey on this, so it will be good now we can see the works going.
"I think really, looking at some of the photos from the architects I think the Knightswick Centre will look absolutely superb when the works are finished next year, so we all look forward to that.'
Locals have long been calling for the refurbishment, saying the mall was "very rundown" and "old, ugly and boring".
Some people only used it as a shortcut path to the nearest Sainbury's.
It comes after a shabby shopping centre in an industrial UK town is set to receive a multi-million-pound revamp.
Property developers purchased the town's central shopping centre from former owners late last year, with major plans to transform it.
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