Chalkwell Ramp - Have your Say on the design

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At the first public meeting, there was an opinion poll on ramp design options. The three favourite options were chosen. The preliminary designs are now ready for a public vote.

Key points:

  • Each option includes steps, a ramp and a viewing platform
  • Current Network Rail land boundaries means the ramp will be in a different position. The new ramp will exit south from the existing brick pier. This means we can complete future maintenance and will not need Network Rail’s permission every time.
  • Accessibility guidance has significantly changed since the original ramp was built in 1910. This means that the new ramp will be longer than the old ramp.
  • Changes to the current primary and secondary sea defences will be required for each of the new options.

Option 1:

  • Circular spiral, similar to nearby Gypsy Bridge.
  • No ‘stepped’ ramp
  • Should allow installation whilst the temporary ramp / steps remain

Option 2:

  • Tear-drop shaped spiral
  • Should allow installation whilst the temporary ramp / steps remain

Option 3:

  • Traditional ramp shape
  • Replicates the previous Chalkwell Ramp
  • Designed to meet current accessibility guidance
  • Temporary ramp / steps will need to be removed before installation

The 3D images and technical drawings for each design option are viewable in the photo collection.


Please email any further comments to consultations@southend.gov.uk

At the first public meeting, there was an opinion poll on ramp design options. The three favourite options were chosen. The preliminary designs are now ready for a public vote.

Key points:

  • Each option includes steps, a ramp and a viewing platform
  • Current Network Rail land boundaries means the ramp will be in a different position. The new ramp will exit south from the existing brick pier. This means we can complete future maintenance and will not need Network Rail’s permission every time.
  • Accessibility guidance has significantly changed since the original ramp was built in 1910. This means that the new ramp will be longer than the old ramp.
  • Changes to the current primary and secondary sea defences will be required for each of the new options.

Option 1:

  • Circular spiral, similar to nearby Gypsy Bridge.
  • No ‘stepped’ ramp
  • Should allow installation whilst the temporary ramp / steps remain

Option 2:

  • Tear-drop shaped spiral
  • Should allow installation whilst the temporary ramp / steps remain

Option 3:

  • Traditional ramp shape
  • Replicates the previous Chalkwell Ramp
  • Designed to meet current accessibility guidance
  • Temporary ramp / steps will need to be removed before installation

The 3D images and technical drawings for each design option are viewable in the photo collection.


Please email any further comments to consultations@southend.gov.uk

  • Have Your Say on the Future Chalkwell Ramp Design

    This survey should take a less than five minutes to complete and your views are important to us.

    Before making any choices please visit the options as shown in the photo examples.

    Option 1 - the image illustrates a top-down view of a promenade and beach area, featuring a unique ramp system with a circular spiral design, reminiscent of the Gypsy Bridge, but without the 'stepped' ramp. The ramp, highlighted in purple (magenta/pink) on the plan, is an accessible, and gently sloping curved ramp intended to smoothly transition south from the higher elevation (the Network Rail Footbridge at the side of Chalkwell Station) down towards a lower elevation (at promenade/beach level). This ramp maintains a consistent 1:22 gradient, providing an accessible slope suitable for wheelchairs and pedestrians alike. Its circular shape is represented with a 10m radius and leads to a landing and a viewing platform closer to the beach. Additionally, the plan includes a central circular area containing landscaping with trees and a set of stairs for alternative access. 


    Option 2 - the image illustrates a top-down view of a promenade and beach area, featuring a unique ramp system with a tear-drop shaped spiral. The ramp, highlighted in purple (magenta/pink) on the plan, is an accessible, and gently sloping curved structure designed to provide a smooth transition south from the higher elevation (the Network Rail Footbridge at the side of Chalkwell Station) down to a lower elevation (at promenade/beach level). The ramp maintains a consistent gradient of 1:22, making it suitable for individuals using wheelchairs as well as pedestrians. Its winding, curvilinear design creates almost a figure-eight or double-helix shape, with an inner curved section featuring a 6m radius and an outer curved section featuring a 10m radius. At the top of the ramp, there is a landing and a viewing platform offering a closer vantage point of the beach. In the centre of the design, there is a circular area adorned with landscaping, including trees, and a set of stairs for alternative access. 


    Option 3 - the image illustrates a top-down view of a promenade and beach area, featuring a traditional ramp system designed to meet current accessibility guidance. The purple (magenta/pink) ramp on the plan is a long, accessible, and gently sloping ramp that facilitates the transition from a higher elevation (the Network Rail Footbridge from the side of the Station) down towards a lower elevation (at promenade/beach level). This ramp consists of four segments, with the upper three sections measuring 40m and the lowest section measuring 24m. The ramp maintains a consistent gradient of 1:20.5, making it suitable for wheelchairs and pedestrians alike. This design aims to replicate the success of the previous Chalkwell Ramp while ensuring it complies with modern accessibility standards. 


    This survey closes on 19th January 2026.

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Page last updated: 13 Jan 2026, 11:15 AM