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Jobs in Southend | Pictures of Southend
On the doorstep of London , Southend-on-Sea is the largest town in Essex . Forever the butt of ridicule for its inhabitants' somewhat promiscuous persuasions, bleached blonde hair and fast cars, closer inspection reveals why Londoners have been coming here in the droves for the best part of 200 years.
Tiny medieval villages are dotted around the outskirts of the town which, for its part, has recently undergone a significant face-life that casts aside all stereotypes to leave a town that is rapidly being seen as a desirable alternative to the urban sprawl that is London in which to live and work.
Getting around Southend
Southend is served by two rail lines, both of which dissect into the heart of London . The One Train Services cover East and North Essex, East London and culminate at London Liverpool Street Station. The C2C Train Service covers South East Essex, Tilbury, and East London and culminates at London Fenchurch Street Station.
Local services are operated by Arriva Southend Limited and First Group services, which operate routes throughout the town and surrounding area.
Eating, drinking and shopping in Southend
Southend-on-Sea has a thriving and vibrant town centre with a good mix of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, theatres and shops. The high street, stretching over half a mile, offers a choice of nationally recognised stores, including Marks & Spencer, WH Smiths, and H & M. And propping up the high street at either end are the two shopping centres, The Royals and Victoria Plaza - the latter having undergone £21.5m refurbishment.
Food wise, Southend has around 300 restaurants and eateries dotted throughout the area with the highest concentration found in the Western Esplanade and High street area, offering everything from fish and chips to Japanese, Thai, Indian, Chinese and a number of European cuisines.
However, aside from its seaside-town appeal, Southend's legendary vibrant nightlife is arguably the main thing that keeps the town on the social radar. At night, the town belongs to clubbers who congregate en masse down the Esplanade to one of infinite number of bars and clubs often wearing little more than a handbag and lipstick carrier. And for those who fancy a flutter, there are two upmarket and large casinos along the seafront.
Other than mile upon mile of sand that sometimes feature one or two revellers from the night before trying to sleep off their hangovers before facing the parents, Southend's main attraction is its pier.
Stretching out in the Sheppey for 1.3 miles, Southend Pier is the longest of its kind in the world. It incorporates a dedicated museum and holds varied events throughout the year. Or if you are looking for somewhere to take the kids, Adventure Island – billed as the number one fun park in the south east, Sea-Life Adventure, and Southend Planetarium are good places to keep them contented for a few hours.
Alternatively, for a different style of entertainment, there are the 8-screen Odeon Multiplex Cinema, theatres, museums, art galleries and several leisure centres. And being a coastal town, Southend Marine Activities Centre along with a number of yacht clubs and swimming pools provide a comprehensive range of water sports in the area. Or if water isn't your thing, there are also a number of health and fitness clubs, a leading tennis centre and a number of sports clubs.
Main residential Areas
Significant levels of public and private investment in regeneration and growth has enabled the redevelopment of the Town Centre area including the High Street, and improved links to the seafront with the award winning Pier Hill scheme, which has a range of modern apartments and penthouses. Indeed, a central area ‘Masterplan' has been approved which aims to develop more than 1,650 new homes in and around the town centre.
Further out from the centre are the popular areas of Queensway and Southchurch Road and Victoria Avenue . And one to watch is Shoeburyness with a regeneration scheme that will see the area capitalise on its historic architecture appeal, green space and seafront by providing around 1,000 new homes.
If you're thinking of moving to the area, take a look at some of the current property available to buy or let in Southend.
Take a closer look
A picture is worth a thousand words. You can see some images from in and around Southend below.
Looking for local vacancies? See all current jobs in Southend or find out more information on the local area.