Plans submitted for The Forum 2

July 8, 2019 by Leigh-on-sea.com

A planning application for The Forum 2, the second collaborative development between Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and South Essex College, has been submitted.

Following the success of The Forum that opened in 2013, ADP Architects has developed plans to complete the educational quarter with a new ‘younger sibling’ building. The development features a mix of accommodation that includes an expansion of the Focal Point Gallery, including contemporary and community art gallery space, a café run by the College and open to the public, a new digital art hub, and a range of performance spaces for dance, acting, and music, and recording studios.

Plans also include a digital workspace which aims to deliver affordable workspace for local creative and digital businesses, provide affordable access to the latest digital arts equipment and will include co-working space, meeting pods, workstations, an editing suite and a seminar room. 

Angela O’Donoghue, Principal of South Essex College, said: “We’re extremely excited that planning has been submitted for our proposed new provision in Southend. This new facility will allow us to increase our popular digital, media, music and performing arts offer in Southend plus provide the town with a new restaurant, benefitting students and the local communities we serve.”

Cllr Kevin Robinson, cabinet member for business, culture and tourism, says: “A second phase to this site was always envisaged and so I am pleased that a planning application has been submitted 

“The mix of accommodation would, we believe, create a vibrant and lively environment that should enhance the town’s burgeoning educational quarter and also encourage the public and students to visit and use Elmer Square more.”

In February 2018, it was confirmed that £6m of funding had been awarded from the South Essex Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP), with the council contributing £2.7m, and the college contributing the rest.

Subject to planning permission being granted, the scheme is due to complete in 2021.

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